International Dealer News IDN 122 Dec/Jan 2014/15 | Page 9

news ROOM
So far, AIMExpo has not yet
managed to secure a foothold
with the custom v-twin exhibitor
community. The annual V-Twin
Expo at Cincinnati each February
remains the dealer show
opportunity of choice for them,
but Marketplace Events'

appointment of industry legend
Bob Kay as V-twin Director could
boost the Harley-Davidson
aftermarket appeal of AIMExpo.
Kay himself is keen to point out
that the mission is not to try to
compete with, or replicate, the
strictly trade-only Easyriders

event, but instead to exploit the
consumer opportunity that the
venue and date offer.
Marketplace Events have
announced next year's AIMExpo
date to be 15th-18th October.
www.aimexpousa.com

Dainese acquired by Bahrain's Investcorp
MOTORCYCLE apparel maker Dainese
has been acquired by Investcorp, a
"leading global provider and manager
of alternative investment products".
Investcorp has acquired an 80
percent stake in the specialist Italian
business at a price that values the
business at € million, with founder
130
Lino Dainese retaining a minority stake
in the company alongside Investcorp.
Founded in 1972, Dainese has been
one of the most "recognised and
respected brands for safety and quality
in the motorcycle and other dynamic
sports markets. Originally famed for its
competitive motorcycling racing wear,
Dainese has subsequently diversified its
product range and today provides

protective gear for road and racing use
alike, as well as for use in winter sports,
biking and horse riding.
In addition, through the AGV brand
name, Dainese is also one of the leading
protective helmet manufacturers for the
motorcycle market.
Through its Dainese Technology
Centre (D-Tec), an R&D technical centre
"for the study of protective technology
and the development of innovative
products", the company says that it can
ensure that it "remains at the forefront
of innovation".
Lino Dainese is credited with
inventing products such as back
protectors, knee sliders and the Dainese
air bag (D-Air), an "intelligent"

Nine-time MotoGP World Champion and Dainese-supported Valentino Rossi

protection system that recognises and
responds to a dangerous fall by
deploying special airbags around
motorcyclists’ bodies.
About the deal, Lino Dainese is
quoted as saying "it was hugely
important for us to find the right partner
in this period of strong development for
the company. I believe that Investcorp’s
proven track record, global presence
and network will support the
company’s continued international
expansion and product innovation.
"I also believe that their support will
enable YH