So the financial meeting discussing the company’s quarterly results came and went for Harley-Davidson and not a mention of any interested buyers for the Italian motorcycle company MV Agusta.

The silence leaves financial experts and both Harley-Davidson as well as MV Agusta enthusiasts wondering the fate of what started out as a natural aquisition, but became an un-necessary asset.

The American icon Harley-Davidson acquired the privately held company, MV Agusta, ‘other’ Italian motorcycle manufacturer in August 2008. At the time, between Harley-Davidson’s interest in performance motorcycles with Buell as well as international growth, the acquisition was seen as a bold move.

Key achievements of the acquisition included the reinstating of production at the Company’s Varese factory and the re-starting of product development, which would lead to the re-engineered Brutale and enjoyed by dealers and customers alike.

But between a tough economy and new leadership at Harley-Davidson, it was decided to refocus the brand which included shedding the apparently distracting names of Buell and MV Agusta. Even as management went through the motions of efficiency studies in the Harley-Davidson production network and sold of Buell seemingly a piece at a time, MV Agusta proudly introduced the all-new F4 as well as a new Brutale 990R and 1090RR for 2010. Conceived at MV Agusta's CRC design center, the highly anticipated launch of the brand new Brutale models signified a new renaissance for the distinguished Italian brand.

A slowing economy and new leadership has moved the Italian motorcycle company on the auction block for over a year with the rumor mill recently finding sixth gear.

On April 12^th Clutch and Chrome reported BMW was allegedly showing interest in MV Agusta along with private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and Company’s who's recent (and never proven) interest in Harley-Davidson was actually intended for the Italian motorcycle brand.

During the same news item, the Italian connection was made with Paul Berlusconi and Mario Moretti officially bringing the company back to the country’s shores and a possibility of a bidding war.

But two more Italians are stepping into the gossip limelight with not only knowledge of the current MV Agusta family, but a track record of bringing success back to well-known brands.

Claudio Castiglioni and Federico Minoli both reportedly have the financial backing to make an offer and they certainly have the experience. Castiglioni is partly responsible for Ducati’s 916 and the MV Agusta F4 as well as recently managing  the Italy-based company for Harley-Davidson. Minoli turned Ducati around after Cagiva sold the brand in 1996, and headed the company as CEO and eventually president of its operations until resigning 2007

Recent reports have a magical number being mentioned from the Italian pair in the neighborhood of $43 million dollars, considerably less than the $109 million dollars Harley Davidson paid in 2008.