Laverda's history is a bit different. The business almost died a couple of times but made a comeback (it's looking a bit grim now though). There are some really good accounts on the net. See Jean-Louis' history page or Steve Battison's site.
Here's my erratic understanding of it:
It began after World War II by making small, commuter style bikes. Laverda was a manufacturer of quality bikes and seems to have dominated racing for a number of years. This didn't help sales though. It looks like all bikes were a bit too expensive to be very popular.
As the years went by there was eventually a shift in style to include quality big bikes. The business was still dogged by expensive price tags and some strategic mistakes were still being made, as it was right from the beginning. The industry was deteriorating from the late seventies to hit rock bottom in the mid 80's.
This was Laverda's dark ages. The company didn't actually die but lingered on in various states of mess - at times somewhat of a farce. The name was almost used as a Japanese fashion lable!
As implied above, different people stepped in and stuffed about with strategies ranging from stark necessities to wild ideas, trying to pull Laverda from the grave instead of letting it die, but it was no longer a real bike maker. Laverda tottered about incoherantly till the early 90's when it was rescued properly by people with financial power and competence, as well as some feeling for the marque. And quality bikes was again the name of their game.
Recently the Laverda factory was bought by Aprilia ... and no-one has heard anything since.
Mick Walker's Laverda story is good reading. I reckon this is a must-have for Laverda fan's.
I've found some more references to books. I've lost the URL for that page, so I'll just repeat most of it here. Doubtless that page can be found by following the links on my Laverda index.
Another book from the same source is 'Laverda Gold Portfolio 1967-1977'
A comprehensive collection of articles from magazines the world over covering bikes from 200 through to 1000cc.
Merlin Books, info@merlinbooks.com
Twin and Triple Repair and Tune-up Guide by Tim Parker
Ampersand Press ISBN 0 9906613 00 0 A must have for any early Owner!
'Laverda' by Ray Ainscoe and Tim Parker
Focusses entirely on the history of the Laverda motorcycle. Availabiltiyis scarce these days but worth every cent if you can find one.
Published by Osprey press, 1991 ISBN 1-85532-183-1
'Moto Laverda - the story of a passion' by the new factory
It is certainly the best collection of factory photographs and literature produced to date with comprehensive coverage of the marques entire history.
1998 Available from factory dealers.
More information at: http://www.laverda.it/storia/
International Laverda Owners Club Mag!