Modern trends favor environmentally friendly products; people are searching for new ways to conserve energy every day. Hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles have received an incredible amount of attention lately, but still have major fuel-economy competition, complements of the motorcycle industry. Various companies have realized the financial opportunities at hand and made their investments.
One such company is General Electric (GE), whose Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance branch provided a 3.4 million dollar loan toward a Harley Davidson dealership in St. Augustine, Florida. One man who acquired the loan was Clark Vitulli, founder and onetime CEO of America’s PowerSports (APS). The other was Allen Good, a colleague of Vitulli’s, and an APS man himself. General Electric had worked with Vitulli before, and was more than willing to do business with him once again.
Vitulli is one of thousands of satisfied General Electric Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance customers. This company has been in business for over three decades, after all! They finance equipment purchases, acquisitions, construction, remodels, and real estate purchases. Its amount of assets served so far surpasses 14 billion dollars. No wonder General Electric Capital Solutions, Franchise Finance is a leading lender!
Another flourishing company called Trade Direct, with over 20 years of motorcycle industry experience, owes its success to loans from Yorkshire Forward and South Yorkshire Investment Fund (SYIF). Trade direct is a family-run manufacturer of Stealth Brake Discs and supplier of other parts like batteries, filters, and chain and sprocket kits. Yorkshire Forward and South Yorkshire Investment Fund weren’t going to pass up that opportunity!
The England-based South Yorkshire Investment Fund provides loans, ranging from fifteen thousand to two and a half million pounds, for small and medium-sized businesses. It supports financees through three stages of growth with seedcorn start-up finance, then with business loans, and finally with equity linked investments. The business plan worked rather well for the thriving Trade Direct company.
Yorkshire Forward is one of England’s nine Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). The agency encourages economic growth through both public and private investment. Yorkshire Forward’s dedication to the cause is nothing short of impressive. Its own investments have well exceeded 300 million pounds, which have been pumped into numerous businesses in Yorkshire and Humber, Trade Direct being one of them.
The motorcycle industry is booming worldwide! A few years ago, Yamaha (YAMCY) executed its plans to invest almost 70 million dollars for product development and expansion in India. The plan revolved around three new motorcycles that were soon to be launched. Thanks in part to this expansion, the Yamaha business is doing great; the company has announced plans to sell half a million bikes in 2009.
Another motorcycle industry investor is Harvest Partners, Inc. This private equity investment firm funds growth financing and management buyouts. One of its business ventures was with Cycle Gear, Inc. of Benicia, California, a retailer of biking parts, gear, and accessories. Harvest Partners is based in New York and has been in business for over twenty-five years. As with all enduring investment companies, impressive management teams are a major factor in their success.