Italian motorcycle makers courting Chinese partners

BEIJING - Struggling since the onset of the global financial crisis in 2008, some famed Italian motorcycle makers are now courting Chinese buyers, an Italian trade official said.

"A number of companies - often with a glorious history and brand, and with strong technological content - have not been able to cope with the market slump," said Enrico Condemi, deputy trade commissioner of the Beijing office of the Italian Trade Commission.

Motorcycle makers now for sale include Moto Morini, Malaguti and Verlicchi, he said, because they lack the needed cash and economies of scale to survive.