BMW have gone ahead and bought Husqvarna Motorcycles. Dr. Herbert Diess, Director BMW Motorrad and Claudio Castiglioni (who owned Husqvarna as a part of his company, MV Agusta S.P.A.) signed an agreement to that effect yesterday, though the sale will only be valid once it’s been approved by governing bodies in Europe. The purchase price remains confidential.

Established way back in 1903 in Sweden, Husqvarna have earned a reputation for building some of the best off-road motorcycles in the world. Acquiring the company seems to be a step in the right direction for BMW who are now trying to build lightweight, powerful off-road bikes that are competitive on the street as well as in racing.

BMW will operate Husqvarna as a separate brand/entity, and Husquvarna’s workforce and production facilities will continue to remain in Varese, Italy.