Part 7/9:
The Downturn: A Tale of Acquisitions and Market Challenges
Despite its success, Bobcat's history took another turn in 2007 when it was acquired by the South Korean conglomerate Doosan Group for $4.9 billion. While the acquisition significantly enhanced Bobcat's global footprint and technological advancements, it also raised concerns regarding whether the brand could maintain its unique American identity under foreign ownership. The investment from Doosan allowed Bobcat to innovate and launch eco-friendly machinery in response to changing environmental regulations, but despite these advancements, it would ultimately face hurdles in retaining market share.