Newmar Sold

In the sort term I don’t see any issues. In the long run...... as history has shown with other deals it may not be good!

I find it personally interesting, as Winnebago and Newmar were my two final considerations when buying my Class A DP... While I haven't been privy to some of the negative issues of Winnebago noted above, it will be interesting to see how they blend their product line. I bought my Newmar because of their reputation for quality, the DP availability with a 35 footer, and pricing at the time. And though I've considered trading up, I'm curious how this acquisition will guide my interest in the coming years...

In the short term (5 years or so) I don't think we will see a difference. A bit like Thor and Jayco (Entegra) but that has only been two years so far. Beyond year 5 there's no telling what may or may not happen.

The problem is if we have another 2008 and how it effected the RV industry. If that happens both Winnie and Thor may cook and eat both golden geese to save the parent corp.

Of course we don't know the financial arrangements of the sale, so it's possible that it's mainly a stock deal where the Miller family can spread out the proceeds as best fits their tax situations. And Matt Miller is staying on as president, presumably with a decent salary and benefits.

John S. wrote:
I think it was sold for a couple reasons. One top of the market so max price.
Two is taxes. If they passed it down in the family there would be an inheritance tax. It would mean huge debt but selling you get to pay about half the tax now and structure it out to reduce it over time. Tiffin will be next I figure as they are the last big family owned company and the last time bob tiffin retired he had to come back.

You will be taxed on the profit you make from selling the business. ... Profit received from the sale of the business assets will most likely be taxed at capital gains rates, whereas amount you receive under a consulting agreement will be ordinary income.
There is no inheritance tax in Indiana either. However, other states' inheritance laws may apply to you if someone living in a state with an inheritance tax leaves you money or property. ... The federal government has a gift tax though, with a yearly exemption of $15,000 per recipient

I think it was sold for a couple reasons. One top of the market so max price.
Two is taxes. If they passed it down in the family there would be an inheritance tax. It would mean huge debt but selling you get to pay about half the tax now and structure it out to reduce it over time. Tiffin will be next I figure as they are the last big family owned company and the last time bob tiffin retired he had to come back.

Horsedoc wrote:
Look for quality to go down. :(

That's usually a given any time a private company gets sucked up by a publicly traded one. Now its all about Beancounters and Stockholders. The RV will be a by product of the main business, which is making money.


Wait until either Thor or Forest River buys Winnebago.

Look for quality to go down. :(

What a sad day.
Guess we will never own a post 19 Newmar.
Talk about a horrible thing for the industry.
Hopefully their parts and support won’t change, but doubtful

Bruce Brown wrote:
As a long time Newmar owner, this makes me a bit sad. Hopefully Winnie doesn't screw it up.

Yeah that !!!

I hope Newmar never drops their quality or their support.

The Newmar we have now will be the last one we will ever own.
Simply because it will last until we can no longer use it.