Press Release: Mergers: Commission approves planned acquisition of Aprilia by Piaggio subject to conditions

The European Commission on 23 November 2004 authorised, under the EU Merger Regulation, the proposed acquisition of Aprilia S.p.A. by Piaggio & C. S.p.A. The decision was subject to a condition intended to safeguard competition and hence the interests of European consumers in the Italian market for small scooters, where the two motorbike producers are strongest. The transaction had raised serious doubts that competition might be reduced to the detriment of Italian customers of scooters with engines up to 50cc. However, Piaggio allayed these doubts by offering to supply its most advanced 50cc engine to all producers that express an interest.