Bajaj Takes Over KTM’s Parent Company: The End Of An Austrian Era

If you are a fan of Bajaj products, especially the Bajaj motorcycles, it might be great news for you that the Indian giant is taking over KTM, a big name in the motorcycle market in Europe and the rest of the world.

But at the same time, it is a somewhat tragic ending of the European story of KTM, as the Pierer Mobility AG — the parent company of KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS is going for a major transformation after Bajaj fully takes over it.

The iconic Austrian motorcycle group is expected to be renamed Bajaj Mobility AG, signalling a new era led by India’s Bajaj Auto.

Pierer Mobility AG, the identity that has long represented Austrian innovation, racing glory, and orange-blooded passion, is set to carry an Indian identity.

A Historic Shift for the KTM Legacy

For decades, Pierer Mobility AG (PMG) has been synonymous with performance, precision, and relentless racing spirit under the leadership of Stefan Pierer.

But that identity is about to be over. The company is holding an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) on November 19, 2025, where shareholders will officially decide to rename the company to Bajaj Mobility AG.

The decision hinges on regulatory approval under EU law (Regulation 2022/2560). If everything goes as planned, the change will symbolize a full takeover by Bajaj Auto, ending Pierer’s long-standing dominance over the brand he built from the ground up.

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From Partners to Powerholders — Bajaj’s Rise in Europe

KTM has been a major partner of Bajaj Auto, one of India’s biggest motorcycle manufacturers, for years. Their collaboration helped not only KTM to scale up production, expand into new markets, and strengthen its global supply chain, but also helped Bajaj in expanding its dominance on Indian and foreign soil in the motorcycle markets.

Bajaj’s partnership deepened in May 2025, when it invested around €800 million to rescue KTM from a financial crisis.

Even before that, Bajaj already held a 49.9% stake in Pierer Bajaj AG, the holding company controlling Pierer Mobility AG. This strategic web of partnerships gave Bajaj significant influence — and when KTM hit turbulence earlier this year, Bajaj stepped in not just as a partner, but as a saviour.

The End of the Pierer Era

The renaming from Pierer Mobility AG to Bajaj Mobility AG is the symbolic end of an Austrian era, as it represents more than a corporate rebranding. Stefan Pierer, the man behind KTM’s global success, is expected to step back, with his nominated members on the Supervisory Board also resigning to make way for Bajaj’s new leadership team to step in.

This shift in leadership is definitely a bittersweet experience for KTM enthusiasts and Austrian loyalists. Under Pierer, KTM transformed from a modest European brand into a powerhouse of off-road and racing excellence.

But from a business point of view, this move makes perfect sense. Bajaj’s financial strength and global reach have played a vital role in keeping KTM’s engines running strong. The two brands together have built one of the most successful motorcycle alliances in modern history.

The Future ahead

While the official name change may sound dramatic, it’s important to note that KTM, Husqvarna, and GASGAS will continue as individual brands. The company will keep the brand names intact as they are emotionally attached to its fans and enthusiasts. Riders will still be able to buy KTM motorcycles, not Bajaj motorcycles.

The restructuring mainly affects the corporate identity — shifting the holding company’s control and governance. Once EU regulators approve the deal, Bajaj’s influence will be complete, marking the company’s first-ever full control of a major European motorcycle group.

A Logical Move, An Emotional Goodbye

From a business point of view, this is a perfect shift towards progress and a strategic masterstroke. Bajaj’s steady investment, long-term collaboration, and deep understanding of KTM’s DNA made this evolution inevitable.

But emotionally, for Stefan Pierer and countless KTM fans, this transition marks the end of something deeply personal — the passing of the torch from Austria to India.

But the spirit of innovation, racing, and passion that KTM represents will continue — just under a new name, Bajaj Mobility AG.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available information and official investor communications from Pierer Mobility AG. Final outcomes are subject to regulatory approvals and corporate proceedings scheduled for November 2025. The purpose of this article is informational, and it does not represent any financial or investment advice.