The company has engaged an advisor to explore strategic alternatives for Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS), a key business unit that supports motorcycle sales through dealer inventory financing, consumer loans, and insurance services. The move follows mounting pressure on the US-based motorcycle brand, which has seen its share price plummet nearly 50% over the past year. The stock fell 9.3% on Thursday to close at $21.49, giving the company a market capitalisation of roughly $2.7bn. The potential sale comes at a time of executive transition, with CEO Jochen Zeitz set to step down following a five-year tenure. Amid sluggish sales growth and intensifying competition from rivals like Honda and BMW, Harley-Davidson is under increasing pressure to streamline operations and unlock value. A sale of HDFS would mark a significant shift in the company's structure, and private equity's involvement could bring fresh capital and operational expertise to one of the firm's most profitable...
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