Persistent rumours that automotive giant Fiat-Chrysler is in acquisition talks with cash-strapped MV Agusta are bouncing around the European bike industry blogosphere.
Such a takeover would certainly be in MV’s interests, given that its growth is being seriously restricted by lack of capital investment since it was off-loaded back to the Castiglioni clan by Harley-Davidson. The company is currently too small to consider an initial public share offer to raise funds and is probably regarded as an excessively risky niche by private equity investors. Inevitably, speculation is being driven by the recent vanity purchase of Ducati by Volkswagen Group.
Both MV Agusta and Fiat have reportedly declined to comment, which might be an indicator that something is indeed going on. And at least these rumours started well in advance of April Fool’s Day…