Harley-Davidson announced that it is selling their MV Agusta brand to Claudio Castiglioni‘s wholly owned holding company, MV Agusta Motor Holding, S.r.l.

Castiglioni, who kick started Cagiva and then bought over MV Agusta, Ducati and other brands, sold a controlling stake in MV Agusta to Proton, the Malaysian carmaker in 2004 for 70 million Euros. Proton Holdings then sold it’s 57.57 percent stake in MV Agusta Spa to an Italian company Gevi Spa in 2005 for only 1 Euro. Gevi Spa assumed MV Agusta’s debts and working capital requirements totalling 139.44 million euros. The move was announced by Proton Holdings as part of it’s non-core asset divesting exercise.

Harley-Davidson has not announced any financial data but according to Autoblog, despite spending about US$109 million for MV Agusta and spending money to revamp the product lineup. There has been information published saying that Castiglioni probably isn’t going to be paying more than 1 Euro for it!

Harley-Davidson President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell commented, “Our decision to divest MV Agusta reflects our strategy to focus our efforts and our investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an optimal path to long-term growth.”

REFERENCE: Proton Berhad – Disposal of interest in MV Agusta SpA

Europe is becoming increasingly important for Harley-Davidson. The XR1200 seen being assembled above made its debut in Europe.

MV Agusta, a motorcycle group comprised of MV Agusta and Cagiva brands (Husqvarna, formerly part of the group, was sold to BMW in 2007), has been sold to Harley-Davidson for 70 million Euros. MV Agusta’s Group Chairman Claudio Castiglioni and Chief Designer Massimo Tamburini will continue in their respective roles, working together with a new leadership team appointed by Harley-Davidson.

Malaysian carmaker Proton once held 57.75% equity in MV Agusta Motors SpA, purchase for, ironically 70 million Euros in December 2004. This equity was then sold in March 2006 to GEVI SpA for 1 Euro. This greatly annoyed former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahatir Mohamed.

Harley-Davidson currently owns a sporting arm – Buell.

Here’s the official Harley-Davidson Press Release:

Milwaukee, Wis. (July 11, 2008) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group (MVAG). Under the agreement, Harley-Davidson will acquire 100 percent of MV Agusta Group shares for total consideration of approximately 70 million euros ($109 million), which includes the satisfaction of existing bank debt for approximately 45 million euros ($70 million). In addition, the agreement provides for a contingent payment to Claudio Castiglioni in 2016, if certain financial targets are met. MV Agusta Group is privately held, with the Castiglioni family owning 95 percent of MVAG shares.

In addition, Harley-Davidson intends to finance a portion of the consideration by borrowing funds and its level of indebtedness may increase as a result, which may cause Harley-Davidson to incur additional interest expense and limit Harley-Davidson’s ability to obtain additional financing. It could also increase Harley-Davidson’s exposure to general adverse economic and industry conditions and adversely impact Harley-Davidson, Inc.’s earnings per share. Furthermore, Harley-Davidson may have challenges successfully integrating or profitably operating the business of MV Agusta Group.

SOURCE, SOURCE, SOURCE

Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, is reportedly in talks with Claudio Castiglioni, head of MV Agusta, according to a report by Autoblog. Tata Group certainly has the financial muscle to do it. In 2007 Tata raked in US$28.9 billion in revenue. The public listed company has recently acquired Corus Group, Jaguar, and Land Rover. It previously purchased Tetley Tea and Daewoo Commercial Vehicles in 2004.

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MV Agusta Brutale (Rich Niewiroski Jr.)

What do you do when you’re a motorcycle company which has basically only two product lines? Why, you create more variants, of course! MV Agusta has been producing the F4 sportbike and Brutale ‘naked’ since 1997 and 2006 respectively. MV Agusta has produced special editions of the F4 – Oro, S, S Nieman Marcus, Senna, SPR, SR, Ago, Tamburini, Veltro and CC (for Claudio Castiglioni). The Brutale too, has been seen in America, Gladio and R Italia versions (to commemorate the ’06 World Cup).

Now it appears that MV Agusta has teamed up with European clothing manufacturer Hydrogen and Monaco-based luxury yacht builder Wally to produce the Hydrogen Brutale 910R and the Wally Brutale 910R. Wally was founded in 1994 by Luca Bassani, an Italian yacht enthusiast and has rapidly become one of the worlds most prominent designers of stylish, minimalist (and very expensive) yacht builders.

118 WallyPower. Wally’s high performance superyachts look like none other. The 118 WallyPower was featured as the ‘Renovatio‘ in the 2005 movie ‘The Island‘

Only 100 units of each model will be offered worldwide to guarantee exclusivity and retained value for their owners.

SOURCE

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The Cagiva Mito SP525 model was first seen at the 65° Motorcycle Exhibition, from 6th to 11th November 2007 in Milan. There the Mito SP525 was launched with great success amongst its fans, in the presence of MV Agusta Group President Claudio Castiglioni and also the famous Italian racing rider Giacomo Agostini.

Much has been said about the current Cagiva Mito, a Massimo Tamburini design which has remained little unchanged since 1994 when Tamburini restyled the then 4-year old (the original Cagiva Mito was launched in 1990) to look very similar to the Ducati 916 (Also a Tamburini design).

The new Cagiva Mito SP525 model represents the “racing” side of Cagiva brand, hence the SP525 model has been styled to look like the Cagiva 500 GP bike which John Kocinsky rode to third place in the World Championship. The SP525 with the 1 of ’125′ replaced by a 5 in memory of the legendary, much loved Cagiva 500.

The Cagiva Mito 125cc, along with the Aprilia RS125 were both 2-stroke race replicas which changed the world of 2-stroke motorcycling in the 90s. Emissions and noise regulations slowly but surely killed off much of the growth potential of this segment. However, over the years Cagiva have been able to change what a being “two-stroke engine” means and to have been able to blend the new technology into the Mito SP525. The research and investments made by Cagiva mean that gone are the days when the words “twostroke” implied only great performance. The Cagiva 2-stroke is now also environmentally friendly.

Cagiva‘s integrated ECS (Electronic Carburetion System) administers exactly the right amount of fuel (both the air/petrol and oil mix) and was developed in collaboration with Dell’Orto. The control unit also governs the ignition system. While keeping costs under control and ensuring that retail prices remain competitive. All this effort brings the two-stroke Mito 125cc 2-stroke engine up to EURO3 standards yet maintains the advantages that two-stroke engines can offer: Lightness, Performance and Low Running Costs.

Although looking terrific, I’d wonder if the current 125cc 2-stroke customer even remembers John Kocinsky, and if those who do remember Kocinsky would be in the market for a 2-stroke 125cc repli-racer?

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In a press release, MV Agusta has announced the sale of its brand Husqvarna to BMW Motorrad. Below is the full statement from MV Agusta Group.

PRESS RELEASE

“BMW Motorrad will acquire the renowned off-road motorcycle company Husqvarna Motorcycles. The President of MV Agusta Group, Claudio Castiglioni, and Dr. Herbert Diess, General Director of BMW Motorrad, signed the contract on 19th July 2007 in Varese (Italy). The contractual agreement will come into full effect upon final approval of the EU cartel authorities. Both parties agreed that the purchase price is to remain confidential.

For the Italian motorcycle Group, the sale of Husqvarna Motorcycles is a strategic step to concentrate all of its resources in the development of MV Agusta brand, icon of style and performance and Cagiva, historical brand in the low engine capacity segment.

Upon the signing of the agreement, the President Claudio Castiglioni stated: “This transaction has been carried out in order to expand MV Agusta and Cagiva presence in the international markets having more financial resources for new models development, thanks also to the support of Banca Intesa Sanpaolo.”
Claudio Castiglioni added: “Husqvarna is steeped in tradition and one of the most famous motorcycle companies in the world with numerous racing victories including European and World titles, and under the directions of BMW Motorrad it will continue to express its full potential.”

BMW Motorrad plans to continue operating Husqvarna Motorcycles as a separate enterprise. All development, sales and production activities, as well as the current workforce, will remain in place at its present location in the region of Varese in northern Italy.”

The sale is expected to allow the MV Agusta group to bring a new focus to MV Agusta and Cagiva products and will strengthen both brand’s customer appeal and lead to continued growth globally.

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Harley-Davidson announced that it is selling their MV Agusta brand to Claudio Castiglioni‘s wholly owned holding company, MV Agusta Motor Holding, S.r.l.

Castiglioni, who kick started Cagiva and then bought over MV Agusta, Ducati and other brands, sold a controlling stake in MV Agusta to Proton, the Malaysian carmaker in 2004 for 70 million Euros. Proton Holdings then sold it’s 57.57 percent stake in MV Agusta Spa to an Italian company Gevi Spa in 2005 for only 1 Euro. Gevi Spa assumed MV Agusta’s debts and working capital requirements totalling 139.44 million euros. The move was announced by Proton Holdings as part of it’s non-core asset divesting exercise.

Harley-Davidson has not announced any financial data but according to Autoblog, despite spending about US$109 million for MV Agusta and spending money to revamp the product lineup. There has been information published saying that Castiglioni probably isn’t going to be paying more than 1 Euro for it!

Harley-Davidson President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Wandell commented, “Our decision to divest MV Agusta reflects our strategy to focus our efforts and our investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an optimal path to long-term growth.”

REFERENCE: Proton Berhad – Disposal of interest in MV Agusta SpA

Europe is becoming increasingly important for Harley-Davidson. The XR1200 seen being assembled above made its debut in Europe.

MV Agusta, a motorcycle group comprised of MV Agusta and Cagiva brands (Husqvarna, formerly part of the group, was sold to BMW in 2007), has been sold to Harley-Davidson for 70 million Euros. MV Agusta’s Group Chairman Claudio Castiglioni and Chief Designer Massimo Tamburini will continue in their respective roles, working together with a new leadership team appointed by Harley-Davidson.

Malaysian carmaker Proton once held 57.75% equity in MV Agusta Motors SpA, purchase for, ironically 70 million Euros in December 2004. This equity was then sold in March 2006 to GEVI SpA for 1 Euro. This greatly annoyed former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dr. Mahatir Mohamed.

Harley-Davidson currently owns a sporting arm – Buell.

Here’s the official Harley-Davidson Press Release:

Milwaukee, Wis. (July 11, 2008) – Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) today announced the signing of a definitive agreement to purchase the Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta Group (MVAG). Under the agreement, Harley-Davidson will acquire 100 percent of MV Agusta Group shares for total consideration of approximately 70 million euros ($109 million), which includes the satisfaction of existing bank debt for approximately 45 million euros ($70 million). In addition, the agreement provides for a contingent payment to Claudio Castiglioni in 2016, if certain financial targets are met. MV Agusta Group is privately held, with the Castiglioni family owning 95 percent of MVAG shares.

In addition, Harley-Davidson intends to finance a portion of the consideration by borrowing funds and its level of indebtedness may increase as a result, which may cause Harley-Davidson to incur additional interest expense and limit Harley-Davidson’s ability to obtain additional financing. It could also increase Harley-Davidson’s exposure to general adverse economic and industry conditions and adversely impact Harley-Davidson, Inc.’s earnings per share. Furthermore, Harley-Davidson may have challenges successfully integrating or profitably operating the business of MV Agusta Group.

SOURCE, SOURCE, SOURCE

Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, is reportedly in talks with Claudio Castiglioni, head of MV Agusta, according to a report by Autoblog. Tata Group certainly has the financial muscle to do it. In 2007 Tata raked in US$28.9 billion in revenue. The public listed company has recently acquired Corus Group, Jaguar, and Land Rover. It previously purchased Tetley Tea and Daewoo Commercial Vehicles in 2004.

バイカーブードゥー

MV Agusta Brutale (Rich Niewiroski Jr.)

What do you do when you’re a motorcycle company which has basically only two product lines? Why, you create more variants, of course! MV Agusta has been producing the F4 sportbike and Brutale ‘naked’ since 1997 and 2006 respectively. MV Agusta has produced special editions of the F4 – Oro, S, S Nieman Marcus, Senna, SPR, SR, Ago, Tamburini, Veltro and CC (for Claudio Castiglioni). The Brutale too, has been seen in America, Gladio and R Italia versions (to commemorate the ’06 World Cup).

Now it appears that MV Agusta has teamed up with European clothing manufacturer Hydrogen and Monaco-based luxury yacht builder Wally to produce the Hydrogen Brutale 910R and the Wally Brutale 910R. Wally was founded in 1994 by Luca Bassani, an Italian yacht enthusiast and has rapidly become one of the worlds most prominent designers of stylish, minimalist (and very expensive) yacht builders.

118 WallyPower. Wally’s high performance superyachts look like none other. The 118 WallyPower was featured as the ‘Renovatio‘ in the 2005 movie ‘The Island‘

Only 100 units of each model will be offered worldwide to guarantee exclusivity and retained value for their owners.

SOURCE

バイカーブードゥー

The Cagiva Mito SP525 model was first seen at the 65° Motorcycle Exhibition, from 6th to 11th November 2007 in Milan. There the Mito SP525 was launched with great success amongst its fans, in the presence of MV Agusta Group President Claudio Castiglioni and also the famous Italian racing rider Giacomo Agostini.

Much has been said about the current Cagiva Mito, a Massimo Tamburini design which has remained little unchanged since 1994 when Tamburini restyled the then 4-year old (the original Cagiva Mito was launched in 1990) to look very similar to the Ducati 916 (Also a Tamburini design).

The new Cagiva Mito SP525 model represents the “racing” side of Cagiva brand, hence the SP525 model has been styled to look like the Cagiva 500 GP bike which John Kocinsky rode to third place in the World Championship. The SP525 with the 1 of ’125′ replaced by a 5 in memory of the legendary, much loved Cagiva 500.

The Cagiva Mito 125cc, along with the Aprilia RS125 were both 2-stroke race replicas which changed the world of 2-stroke motorcycling in the 90s. Emissions and noise regulations slowly but surely killed off much of the growth potential of this segment. However, over the years Cagiva have been able to change what a being “two-stroke engine” means and to have been able to blend the new technology into the Mito SP525. The research and investments made by Cagiva mean that gone are the days when the words “twostroke” implied only great performance. The Cagiva 2-stroke is now also environmentally friendly.

Cagiva‘s integrated ECS (Electronic Carburetion System) administers exactly the right amount of fuel (both the air/petrol and oil mix) and was developed in collaboration with Dell’Orto. The control unit also governs the ignition system. While keeping costs under control and ensuring that retail prices remain competitive. All this effort brings the two-stroke Mito 125cc 2-stroke engine up to EURO3 standards yet maintains the advantages that two-stroke engines can offer: Lightness, Performance and Low Running Costs.

Although looking terrific, I’d wonder if the current 125cc 2-stroke customer even remembers John Kocinsky, and if those who do remember Kocinsky would be in the market for a 2-stroke 125cc repli-racer?

バイカーブードゥー

In a press release, MV Agusta has announced the sale of its brand Husqvarna to BMW Motorrad. Below is the full statement from MV Agusta Group.

PRESS RELEASE

“BMW Motorrad will acquire the renowned off-road motorcycle company Husqvarna Motorcycles. The President of MV Agusta Group, Claudio Castiglioni, and Dr. Herbert Diess, General Director of BMW Motorrad, signed the contract on 19th July 2007 in Varese (Italy). The contractual agreement will come into full effect upon final approval of the EU cartel authorities. Both parties agreed that the purchase price is to remain confidential.

For the Italian motorcycle Group, the sale of Husqvarna Motorcycles is a strategic step to concentrate all of its resources in the development of MV Agusta brand, icon of style and performance and Cagiva, historical brand in the low engine capacity segment.

Upon the signing of the agreement, the President Claudio Castiglioni stated: “This transaction has been carried out in order to expand MV Agusta and Cagiva presence in the international markets having more financial resources for new models development, thanks also to the support of Banca Intesa Sanpaolo.”
Claudio Castiglioni added: “Husqvarna is steeped in tradition and one of the most famous motorcycle companies in the world with numerous racing victories including European and World titles, and under the directions of BMW Motorrad it will continue to express its full potential.”

BMW Motorrad plans to continue operating Husqvarna Motorcycles as a separate enterprise. All development, sales and production activities, as well as the current workforce, will remain in place at its present location in the region of Varese in northern Italy.”

The sale is expected to allow the MV Agusta group to bring a new focus to MV Agusta and Cagiva products and will strengthen both brand’s customer appeal and lead to continued growth globally.

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