Who is ktm owned by

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: KTM is owned by Pierer Mobility AG, an Austrian holding company that controls 51.7% of KTM AG. The remaining 48.3% is publicly traded on the Vienna Stock Exchange. This ownership structure has been in place since 2013 when Pierer Mobility (formerly KTM Industries AG) became the majority shareholder.

Key Facts

KTM is majority-owned by Pierer Mobility AG (51.7% stake)
48.3% of KTM AG shares are publicly traded on the Vienna Stock Exchange
KTM was founded in 1934 by engineer Hans Trunkenpolz
KTM became the largest European motorcycle manufacturer by volume in 2014
KTM sold over 332,000 motorcycles worldwide in 2022

Overview

KTM, officially known as KTM AG, is an Austrian motorcycle and sports car manufacturer headquartered in Mattighofen, Austria. The company was founded in 1934 by engineer Hans Trunkenpolz as a metalworking shop, initially focusing on repairing and selling motorcycles. The name KTM originally stood for Kraftfahrzeuge Trunkenpolz Mattighofen, which translates to "Trunkenpolz Motor Vehicles of Mattighofen." The company's early years were marked by innovation and adaptation, surviving World War II and evolving into a significant player in the motorcycle industry.

Today, KTM has grown into one of the world's leading motorcycle manufacturers, particularly renowned for its off-road and sport motorcycles. The company's ownership structure underwent significant changes in the early 21st century, culminating in the current arrangement where Pierer Mobility AG holds majority control. KTM's brand portfolio includes not only the main KTM brand but also Husqvarna Motorcycles, which it acquired in 2013, and GasGas, acquired in 2019. This strategic expansion has positioned KTM as a dominant force in the global motorcycle market.

How It Works

The ownership and corporate structure of KTM involves a complex arrangement between private holding companies and public shareholders.

Majority Ownership by Pierer Mobility: Pierer Mobility AG, formerly known as KTM Industries AG, holds a controlling 51.7% stake in KTM AG. This Austrian holding company is led by CEO Stefan Pierer, who has been instrumental in KTM's growth and strategic direction since the 1990s. The company's headquarters are located in Wels, Austria, and it serves as the parent company for KTM's various motorcycle brands.
Public Trading Structure: The remaining 48.3% of KTM AG shares are publicly traded on the Vienna Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KTMI. This public ownership allows individual and institutional investors to participate in KTM's financial performance. The company's market capitalization has grown significantly, reaching approximately €2.5 billion as of 2023, reflecting its strong position in the global motorcycle market.
Strategic Partnerships: KTM maintains important strategic partnerships that influence its operations and ownership dynamics. Most notably, Bajaj Auto Limited of India holds a 48% stake in KTM's Indian subsidiary, KTM India. This partnership, established in 2007, has been crucial for KTM's expansion into Asian markets and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, KTM has technical partnerships with CFMoto in China for certain engine development projects.
Corporate Governance: KTM operates under a two-tier board system common in Austrian corporations. The Supervisory Board oversees the Executive Board, which manages day-to-day operations. Stefan Pierer serves as Chairman of the Executive Board, ensuring continuity in strategic vision. The company maintains separate legal entities for its different brand operations while centralizing research, development, and certain manufacturing functions at its Austrian headquarters.

Key Comparisons

Feature	KTM Ownership Structure	Typical Motorcycle Manufacturer
Majority Control	Pierer Mobility AG (51.7%)	Often fully public or family-owned
Public Trading	48.3% on Vienna Stock Exchange	100% public or 100% private
Strategic Partnerships	Bajaj Auto (48% of Indian subsidiary)	Usually wholly-owned subsidiaries
Geographic Focus	Strong European base with Asian partnerships	Often regionally concentrated
Brand Portfolio	Multiple brands (KTM, Husqvarna, GasGas)	Typically single-brand focus

Why It Matters

Market Leadership Impact: KTM's ownership structure has enabled it to become Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer by volume, surpassing traditional competitors like BMW Motorrad and Ducati. In 2022 alone, KTM sold over 332,000 motorcycles worldwide, representing significant growth from just 80,000 units in 2005. This growth trajectory has been supported by the stability provided by Pierer Mobility's majority ownership while allowing for public investment through the Vienna Stock Exchange listing.
Innovation and Racing Success: The current ownership model has facilitated substantial investment in research and development, with KTM spending approximately €200 million annually on R&D. This investment has translated into racing success, with KTM winning 18 Motocross World Championships since 2010 and multiple Dakar Rally victories. The company's "Ready to Race" philosophy is directly supported by the financial stability provided by its ownership structure.
Global Expansion: KTM's strategic partnerships, particularly with Bajaj Auto in India, have enabled rapid international growth. The Indian partnership has helped KTM establish manufacturing facilities that produce over 150,000 motorcycles annually for Asian markets. This global footprint, supported by the current ownership arrangement, has made KTM a truly international brand with distribution in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Looking forward, KTM's ownership structure positions it well for continued growth in the evolving motorcycle industry. The combination of Pierer Mobility's strategic vision and public market accountability creates a balanced approach to corporate governance. As the industry shifts toward electric vehicles and new mobility solutions, KTM's stable ownership foundation provides the financial resources and strategic flexibility needed to innovate and adapt. The company's planned expansion into electric motorcycles and continued global market penetration suggest that its current ownership model will remain a key factor in its future success.