BMW acquires Husky

[Paul Danik]

Some interesting news about two brands that John Penton had some ties with back in the day.
 
INDUSTRY NEWS - BMW Buys Husky
Posted By Paul Carruthers
Husky Goes Beemer 7/20/2007  

The following is from MV Agusta...


BMW Motorrad will acquire the reknowned 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 July 19, 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 strategical 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 transaction, from MV Agusta side, has been assisted by the global advisors Progman Group and Borghesi Colombo & Associates.

 
 
 

[Kip Kern]

Hopefully they will establish and support a dealer network here in the US.  Nice machines but no dealer support.  Wish them the best in the future!

[83husky250]

Hooray for BMW.  All of us husky freaks who were left high  and dry with few parts and plummeting resale values back in '88 wish nothing but bad luck to the Cagiva folks.  I had heard that Husqvarna AB had acqired a minority part of Cagiva group, and it would have been sweet justice if they would have bought majority stock, closed the Italian operation,and shipped everything back to Sweden.  I know that never would have happened, darn it.  They could have offered the Italian design staff the same deal they offered the Swedish engineers back in 1987--positions mowing the factory lawn.  You know, they guys who told them to stuff it and founded Husaberg. Having a Husky made in Italy is like having a Harley made in Taiwan--not the most desirable thing in the world.

[socalmx]

How about a Harley made in Italy? They were and all had frames made of the finest plumbing pipe available!