Which company acquired Harley-Davidson in 1969?

American Machine and Foundry acquired Harley-Davidson in 1969.

American Machine and Foundry is usually abbreviated as AMF. Under AMF ownership, Harley-Davidson remained a major motorcycle manufacturer, but the company experienced intense competition, manufacturing difficulties, and concerns about product quality during the 1970s.

Harley-Davidson executives and investors later arranged a management buyout from AMF in 1981. The buyout returned the company to independent ownership and became a major turning point in its modern history. The “Take It Back” campaign helped symbolize the change.

AMF should not be confused with a motorcycle manufacturer that Harley-Davidson acquired. AMF was a diversified American recreational-equipment company, and its ownership of Harley-Davidson lasted from 1969 until the 1981 buyout. The later acquisition of Italian motorcycle maker Aermacchi was a separate event.