United States. The new alliance strengthens SEMA's leadership in the automotive aftermarket and its support for the business needs and representation of the off-road industry.
SEMA announced the acquisition of the Off-Road Business Association (ORBA), an entity dedicated to representing companies and professionals in the off-road and powersports industries (motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-side utility vehicles and snowmobiles).
The off-road products and services segment is currently the largest and fastest-growing segment within the automotive aftermarket. With this acquisition, SEMA strengthens its ability to support the off-road and powersports communities, as well as the innovators who market their products to millions of enthusiasts in the United States.
"By acquiring ORBA, SEMA strengthens our joint efforts to preserve motorized access to our nation's open spaces and ensure policies that sustainably balance land use and conservation. SEMA has sought to have our Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) work more closely with ORBA, in recognition and appreciation for their work and for the people who, with their efforts over decades, gave a voice to companies and enthusiasts in the off-road and powersports communities," said Mike Spagnola, president and CEO of SEMA.
Fred Wiley, CEO of ORBA, said: "ORBA was created to provide additional resources to support the off-road industry through business knowledge and representation. By joining directly with SEMA, this industry will continue to have a seat at the table on key issues affecting motorized access to public lands, the defense of the right to modify andcompete, among other issues important to the off-road community. SEMA is uniquely positioned to lead future land access protection efforts and to represent the perspectives of off-road businesses and enthusiasts."
In the same vein, Dawson Druesedow, president of the Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA), a board of SEMA, said: "The Truck and Off-Road Alliance (TORA) was created to represent the collective interest of member companies that manufacture, distribute, sell and install accessories for off-road vehicles, light trucks, ATVs, or that provide services to this industry. We are excited to have ORBA's additional support under the SEMA brand and to expand representation and legal action efforts, not only to protect our community, but also to drive policies that allow our industry to thrive for generations."
Under the terms of the agreement, SEMA will acquire all of ORBA's assets. Fred Wiley will remain as SEMA's senior strategic advisor on off-road and powersports issues.
