KTM to become privately owned

Cross KraftFahrZeug Holding GmbH, one of KTM CEO Stefan Pierer's companies, and the majority shareholder of KTM AG with 51.4% of the shares, has announced its plan to delist the motorcycle manufacturer and WP Suspension from the Vienna Stock Exchange. To this effect, the company will propose to withdraw all public shares at KTM’s annual shareholders meeting on April 21. Bajaj Auto is the other significant investor in KTM, with a 48% stake.

By this calculation, only 0.6% of KTM stock are on the free-float or public market right now, and they can be bought or sold by anyone. Cross Industries is making a public purchase offer for the remainder of the shares and is willing to pay €122.5 per share, equivalent to Rs 9259.73 at the time of writing. The offer price is based on the average price of KTM stock over the last six months.

According to Cross Industries, the move to delist both KTM and WP will establish a leaner capital market structure. It will also make KTM (and WP Suspension) entirely privately owned companies, but this should not impact the consumers in any way. In fact, no longer being a public company should make KTM's life easier by making the decision process quicker thanks to fewer parties involved in the business. Also, this will leave KTM free from other formal obligations to the shareholders.

KTM’s CEO Stefan Pierer is the controlling owner of Cross Industries and will remain in charge of the company.