Aprilia faces Bankruptcy

[cazzo]

From MCN

Aprilia has stopped making bikes as it fights for financial survival. The firm must find £5 million by May 3 or be declared bankrupt.

The Italian manufacturer is £147million in debt and suppliers are now refusing to deliver parts – which explains the halt on the production line. The £5 million will simply cover interest due.

The crisis has knock-on effects for Aprilia-owned Moto Guzzi and Laverda and for Shakey Byrne’s MotoGP deal.

Aprilia says there are as many as 15 firms lining up with rescue packages.

[stooz]

if I can get an aprillia tarna at knock down prices, its not a bad thing...

[dazren]

stooz said:

if I can get an aprillia tarna at knock down prices, its not a bad thing...

What about future parts supply?

DAZ

[pesty]

thats a real shame becuase the new Mille factory and R or whatever they are called now are fantastic looking bikes and they suposedly go and handle well too.

I'm sure someone will come along and save the company.

[Davel]

Very sad really and I guess that this could be the end of Moto Guzzi too.

End of an era an all that................

[barry sheene]

Davel said:

Very sad really and I guess that this could be the end of Moto Guzzi too.

No, Ducati are after the brand. they tried to buy it 3 years ago, but Aprillia beat them to it....

[gRsf12]

Aprilia have sent a letter to the UK dealers informing them of MCN's 'breaking' of the story which bears elements of truth, but notes they have not sought confirmation of any of it from Aprilia.

Aprilia are only small fry, even in the Euuropean scene, so obviously they are not that flush and it is well documented that they have been looking for funding/partnerships for some time.

Is this just another MCN scare story?

If not, Shakey could be out of GPs sooner than he thought. That's sure to be one of the first in line for the chop if they need to look to rescue packages.

[rsvnigel]

Come on guys, after all this time do you really believe anything MCN prints?

www.rsvr.net:81/toast.asp?sub=show&action=posts&fid=2&tid=16532

Giuseppe Tranchina - MD Aprilia UK said:

A letter has been communicated to all dealers stating that there will be a lengthy two page article in tomorrow's edition of MCN concerning the aprilia financial situation - whilst many of the facts mentioned are substantially true there are speculative questions which are inaccurate and unhelpful - the most critical point - 'that the company is close to bankruptcy and has ceased production' is simply untrue. There are substantive negotiations ongoing in Noale with potential partners, many of which are common knowledge, however aprilia are not in a position to provide either comment or information regarding these as this would be a breach of confidentiality and a lack of integrity as far as the parties involved are concerned. With respect to production .. the lines at Noale are still prodcuing machines at he time of this message and currently at this moment there are 153 RSV-R and 125 RSV Factory machines being prepared for trans shipment to the UK. The machines are now availablke in Scorze. MCN have decided to publish all of the information they have gleaned from the Italian newspaper article without seeking confirmation or comment from aprilia - aprilia have assured all their dealers in the UK, that as matters develop they will of course keep their customer base fully informed.

rsvr.net said:

Aprilia have slowed down production on two lines and laid off some staff (Mostly at Moto Guzzi). As the government picks up 80% of their wages bill during this time, it's good commercial sense. Aprilia "are" in financial difficulties. No big secret. Partly due to their buying Moto Guzzi, in hindsight, a mistake. Ducati look likely to buy Guzzi from them, easing that problem. Aprilia are in talks with a number of bike related companies and one large financial institution to consolidate their position. In other words, it's pretty well business as usual for a large Italian company. But that would make pretty dull reporting, wouldn't it?