In addition to Vanguard engines, Briggs & Stratton manufactures a wide range of outdoor power equipment.
In addition to Vanguard engines, Briggs & Stratton manufactures a wide range of outdoor power equipment.
In addition to Vanguard engines, Briggs & Stratton manufactures a wide range of outdoor power equipment.
In addition to Vanguard engines, Briggs & Stratton manufactures a wide range of outdoor power equipment.
In addition to Vanguard engines, Briggs & Stratton manufactures a wide range of outdoor power equipment.

Briggs & Stratton Acquires Billy Goat Industries

May 20, 2015
Furthering its access to the rental channel, Briggs & Stratton has acquired lawn-and-garden manufacturer Billy Goat Industries for about $26 million in cash, the Milwaukee-based engine and lawn-and-garden equipment manufacturer announced today.

Furthering its access to the rental channel, Briggs & Stratton has acquired lawn-and-garden manufacturer Billy Goat Industries for about $26 million in cash, the Milwaukee-based engine and lawn-and-garden equipment manufacturer announced today. Billy Goat, based in Lee’s Summit, Mo., is a leading manufacturer of specialty turf equipment, including aerators, sod cutters, overseeders, power rakes, brush cutters, walk-behind blowers, lawn vacuums and debris loaders.

     Billy Goat has annual net sales of about $30 million. The transaction, subject to customary post-closing working capital adjustments, was effective today.

     “Billy Goat’s products complement Briggs & Stratton’s already strong commercial turf brands, add specialty lines with market-leading innovation, and further increase Briggs’ market access to the rental channel,” said Harold Redman, senior vice president at Briggs & Stratton and president of the Turf and Consumer Products division.

      “Billy Goat Industries Inc. helps us to further our strategic initiative of focusing on higher margin commercial products,” said Todd Teske, chairman, president and CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corp. “We welcome the management team and the employees of Billy Goat to our team, and look forward to building upon the strong foundation that has made them a strong and successful company.”

      “It was clear to my brother Drew and me that partnering with Briggs & Stratton gives us the best opportunity to continue with the Billy Goat brand that we care for so deeply and to focus on what this company does well,” added Will Coates, president and CEO of Billy Goat Industries. “We truly believe that Billy Goat’s colleagues, customers and employees will benefit from wider access to Briggs & Stratton’s global resources inclusive of leading engine innovation; research and development; international operations and adjacent products that serve to accelerate the growth of the brand worldwide.”

        Briggs & Stratton appears to be on a growth trajectory, having acquired light tower, heater, arrow board and compact equipment manufacturer Allmand Bros. in August of last year. The company also owns the Simplicity, Snapper, SnapperPro, Ferris, Murray, Branco and Victa brands. Its products are designed, manufactured, marketed and serviced in more than 100 countries.