Harley Buyout

By Kevin Ash - 16/10/2010

Harley-Davidson shares have risen to their highest level since the start of the recession on the back of strengthening domestic sales, improved first quarter results expectations and most intriguingly, rumours of a leveraged buyout (LBO, a buyout using the company‘s own assets as security for the loan).

Shares have risen by around 6 per cent in the last week after predictions of good sales in March as well as an improved pricing structure, and share trading has increased by around 25 per cent.

This also makes the company a considered target for an LBO: with extensive cost cuts now implemented and an improving US economy, Harley now looks like a company which has bottomed out and is on the rise again, the perfect time for a buyout.

While private equity companies might well be interested, the LBO option could also be on the agenda of Harley‘s own upper management.

* Pictured (click on image) is the new Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide, featuring a range of blacked out components, 1800cc Screamin' Eagle engine and an array of accessories including sat nav and Harman-Kardon sound system. Only 999 are being made but it doesn't come cheap, at just under £30,000!

CVO is Harley's Custom Vehicles Operation, the company's specialist limited edition division.

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