[motorcyclistonline] - Harley-Davidson Completes Acquisition Of MV Agusta - Web Exclu

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Harley-Davidson Completes Acquisition Of MV Agusta - Web Exclusive

Harley-Davidson acquires MV AgustaAs previously reported on July 11, 2008, Harley-Davidson announced that it was acquiring Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta. That purchase has now been completed for $39 million (25 million euros) plus the assumption of another $69 million (45 million euros) of debt. H-D already has a solid presence in Europe but this acquisition further consolidates their position and diversifies their market into the high-performance sportbike arena.

This is actually The Motor Co.'s second foray into ownership of an Italian company. In 1960, H-D acquired 50% of Aermacchi, with the other 50% purchased in 1974. Aermacchi motorcycles, with two-stroke engines displacing between 125cc and 350cc, we're rebadged and sold as Harley-Davidsons. H-D even won the 250cc GP World Championship with those bikes with racer Walter Villa in 1974, 1975 and 1976. H-D, under the control of AMF, sold Aermacchi to Cagiva in 1978.


Photo Gallery: Harley-Davidson Completes Acquisition Of MV Agusta - Web Exclusive - Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine Online


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