TVS Buys NORTON

TVS Motor Company’s acquisition of Norton Motorcycles has led to a lot of questions. We try to answer a few of them

- ABHISHEK WAIRAGADE

ONE OF THE BIGGEST surprises during the lockdown came from Chennai, that of TVS Motor Company acquiring the renowned British motorcycle brand Norton Motorcycles for roughly ₹150 crore. TVS acquired the under-administration Norton brand’s business and assets through one of its subsidiaries based in the UK. Under the agreement, TVS’ subsidiary has the licence to occupy the existing manufacturing premises for the next six months. Thus, Norton will be run out of its Donington Hall factory for the next six months till other facilities are setup and TVS will utilise its global reach and supply chain expertise to explore new markets with Norton. TVS has agreed to work closely with customers and bring back the glory days of the iconic brand.

But what exactly is Norton Motorcycles all about? What makes this deal so significant? What is the future of the TVS-Norton venture? TVS hasn’t revealed too many details as of now but here’s what we know after a (virtual) round table with TVS Motor Company's joint MD, Sudarshan Venu.

Norton’s history