DMH Bank of America

The Ducati Motor Holding Offer for the Acquisition of the Majority Stake of The Aprilia Group Remains Unchanged BOLOGNA, Italy, August 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A (NYSE:DMHNYSE:BorsaNYSE:ItalianaNYSE:S.p.A:DMH) takes note of the decision of the Aprilia Board of Directors, taken on July 31 2004, not to extend the exclusivity and not to agree to the proposal, presented by Ducati on July 30 2004 in accordance with the terms of the sale process - aimed at guaranteeing the continued operations of the Aprilia company for the period necessary to complete the acquisition of the group. Ducati will not modify its offer, which therefore remains valid. It reserves the right to protect its interests in the appropriate ways. "We are certain that we have respected, in the form and the substance, the process and the procedures requested by the Aprilia advisors - commented Federico Minoli, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. We are strongly convinced that our offer reflects the true value of the Aprilia Group and that it offers guarantees for all stakeholders involved in the transaction. For this reason we do not intend to modify our offer and we will leave the possibility of further evaluation up to the advisors. Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in five market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring and Multistrada. The Company's motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won twelve of the last fourteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at http://www.ducati.com/ This press release contains statements that are forward-looking and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, as described in documents previously filed by the Company with CONSOB and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission DATASOURCE: Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. CONTACT: For further information, please contact: Francesco Rapisarda, Communications Director, Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., Via Cavalieri Ducati, 3, Bologna 40132, Italia Centralino:+39-051-6413111, Diretto: +39-051-6413617, e-mail:; Fabrizio Nardi, Investor Relations, Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., Via Cavalieri Ducati, 3, Bologna 40132, Italia, Diretto: + 39-051 6413213, e-mail:

Copyright