Did you know Forest River bought Coachmen RV Group for about $42.2 million? This deal included $10.6 million for real estate and assets, $27 million for inventory, and $4.4 million for accounts receivable. Coachmen, with 44 years in the RV business, was sold with a five-year non-compete clause. But does this mean Coachmen and Forest River are now one? Let’s explore the connection between these two RV giants.
Key Takeaways
- Forest River acquired Coachmen RV Group for $42.2 million.
- The purchase included real estate, assets, inventory, and accounts receivable.
- Coachmen has a 44-year history in the RV industry prior to the sale.
- The sale agreement prohibits Coachmen from re-entering the RV market for five years.
- All hourly manufacturing employees were offered jobs by Forest River post-acquisition.
Understanding Coachmen and Forest River
Coachmen Industries started in 1964 in a small 5,000-square-foot facility in Middlebury, Indiana. They began with 12 travel trailer models and 80 truck caps. This was the start of their reputation for quality RVs. Today, Coachmen offers a wide range of RVs, from entry-level to luxury.
Coachmen has many options for different needs. The Clipper line has 13 floorplans, with some under 3,000 pounds. The Apex line has 21 floorplans, with models under 5,000 pounds. The Northern Spirit series is designed for easy towing, and the Freedom Express has 19 lightweight models.
The Catalina brand has 28 floorplans, making it Coachmen’s largest lineup. Chapparal fifth wheels offer 18 models for functionality and value. Brookstone fifth wheels have five floorplans, known for their features like a six-point leveling system.
Forest River was founded by Peter Liegl and quickly became a top RV maker in North America. They bought Coachmen in December 2008, combining their strengths. The Ozark 1620BHLE is available for $16,495, a great deal for those on a budget.
The main differences between Coachmen and Forest River are their brand offerings and market strengths. Coachmen is known for its wide range of models and prices. Forest River stands out with its large market presence. Knowing these differences helps buyers choose the right RV and company for them.
Are Coachmen and Forest River the same?
Coachmen RV and Forest River are connected but keep their own identities. Forest River, Inc. started in 1996 and quickly became a top name in RVs in the U.S. By 2005, it was owned by Berkshire Hathaway, helping it grow even more.
In 2008, Forest River bought Coachmen RV’s assets. This move added class A and class C motorhomes and trailers to Forest River’s lineup. It helped Forest River offer more products and grow its market share. Today, Forest River has many brands, including Coachmen, Dynamax, Rockwood RV, and Salem RV.
Even though they’re part of the same family, Coachmen and Forest River work as separate brands. Coachmen keeps its own identity while using Forest River’s resources and tech. This way, Coachmen can make innovative, quality products without losing its unique feel.
Looking at similarities, both Coachmen and Forest River benefit from being part of a big network. Forest River makes many products, like luxury vans, cargo trailers, and boats. This wide range helps Coachmen stay competitive and keep making new products.
Forest River also has a big team and many plants in the U.S. Indiana is a key place for them. This big team and many plants help both brands make products well and often.
The move to join Forest River was smart for Coachmen. It helped both brands grow and stay innovative. This shows they both aim to lead the market but stay true to themselves.
Conclusion
Looking into the RV world, it’s key to know the difference between Coachmen and Forest River. Even though they’re both owned by Berkshire Hathaway, they have their own special places. Coachmen started in 1964 and has made about 600,000 RVs, making it a top name in the business.
Forest River, founded in 1996, also belongs to Berkshire Hathaway. It bought Coachmen’s RV parts in a big move. But Coachmen keeps its own identity and makes RVs on its own.
The Coachmen versus Forest River debate is more than just a company tie. Coachmen makes RVs in Indiana and Michigan. It’s known for brands like Georgie Boy, Sportscoach, and Viking. These meet different needs, showing the RV market’s wide range.
Forest River supports Coachmen but doesn’t erase its unique brand. Both serve different parts of the RV world. This shows how two brands can work together and keep their own special places in the market.
This deep look into Coachmen and Forest River shows their individuality matters. Coachmen stays strong as a big player under Forest River. The RV world shows how two brands can grow together, giving customers many choices while keeping their own stories alive.