Rumours still persist about the future of MV Agusta, and now Polaris has been suggested as being interested in buying the struggling Italian manufacturer.
Polaris is credited with salvaging Indian and Victory and returning them to profitability, and according to reports in Italian newspaper Corriere Delle Sera it could be looking to do the same with MV Agusta.
At this stage the reports are pure speculation, as no official confirmation or denial seems to have come from either company.
Polaris could be a viable option for MV Agusta.
It is in a strong financial position, and it seems the company is increasing its interest in sports and performance bikes.
Polaris bought Brammo’s electric motorcycle division, and through the Victory brand is competing in both the Isle of Man TT Zero event and the Pikes Peak hill climb this year.
Polaris was also among those companies predicted to take over Erik Buell Racing, but never made an official bid for EBR.
But the situation at MV Augusta is very complicated.
Reports are that MV Augusta is in debt for around €40 million.
Mercedes-AMG owns 25% of MV Agusta, and has about €67 million invested.
MV Agusta CEO Giovanni Castiglioni wants to buy Mercedes-AMG out, but doesn’t have the capital to do that and is looking for other investors.
And while all this is happening, MV Agusta is continuing to develop special models, the latest being a collaboration with Pirelli, it hopes will attract buyers to the brand and keep the company alive.
Castiglioni has applied to the Italian courts for a court-ordered protection from creditors for MV Agusta.
That would allow the company to remain in business and look at restructuring options to move the business forward.
There’s no doubt that an injection of funds is necessary, and we still can’t rule out Mercedes-AMG stepping in and taking a controlling share in the company to protect its own interests.