From a press release issued by Aprilia USA:

Aprilia Announces New Round of Business Funding

U.S. market record-setting growth contributes to high demand for Italian manufacturer’s award-winning motorcycles and scooters

Woodstock, GA (May 6, 2004) –Aprilia SpA, the Noale, Italy based manufacturer of award-winning motorcycles and scooters, today announced new credit lines for $30 million Euros as well as renewal of existing lines, for a total global line of credit of $180 million Euros. The financing agreement was reached with the assistance of a consortium of financial institutions, including Interbanca and Caretti & Associati. This new round of funding allows Aprilia to resume full production and satisfy high market demand as the main riding season gets underway in most parts of the world.

Demand has been especially strong in Aprilia’s growing U.S. market. Despite being a relative newcomer in the market—the company established its U.S. subsidiary in 1999—American consumers have embraced the Italian manufacturer’s award-winning line of scooters and motorcycles. Aprilia, which offers more scooter choices than any other manufacturer in the U.S. market, just posted its best April sales month ever, increasing 30.6% over April, 2003. In addition to strong scooter sales, Aprilia’s line of high-performance super sport bikes and adventure touring bikes continue to win awards for their thrilling combination of ride characteristics, technology and style.

This new round of funding allows Aprilia to concentrate on the industrial plan and continue its growth by exploiting its extraordinary know-how and brand popularity. The industrial plan will include reorganization initiatives designed to gain cost savings and operational efficiencies. In addition, Aprilia will continue to proactively discuss business investment opportunities with financial and/or industrial investors to assure the necessary resources are in place for continued growth of the company’s prestigious Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Laverda brands.

About Aprilia USA
Aprilia is Europe’s second largest motorcycle and scooter manufacturer. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Noale, Italy—just outside Venice—the company is privately owned and has eight subsidiaries in key world markets. Aprilia World Service USA, Inc. is the company’s U.S. importer and distributor. The subsidiary is headquartered in Woodstock, Georgia, just a few miles north of metro Atlanta and at the entrance to some of the best riding roads in America. Aprilia USA’s 128 U.S. dealerships offer a full line of performance motorcycles and scooters, as well as electric bicycles. For information on Aprilia’s complete model line, visit www.apriliausa.com.