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Audi in Talks to Buy Ducati Motorcycle Company

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    Posted by BikerNews March 15, 2012 - Filed in Motorcycle News - 1,723 views

    Sources close to the company say Audi (NSUG.DE) is in discussions to purchase the Ducati Ducati Motor Holding SpA (DMH).

    Audi, which has the right of first refusal on a purchase until mid-April, is considering a total price of about 850 million euros ($1.12 billion) for the Italian company, said one of the people, who declined to be identified discussing private negotiations.

    Ducati, which sold about 42,000 bikes last year, posted a 39 percent increase in earnings before interest & taxes. Founded in 1926, in the World Superbike Championship, Ducati has won 15 out of the last 18 Riders’ titles and 16 Manufacturers’ titles

    Audi is looking to Ducati not only as a profit center in the sale of motrorcycles but as a technology resource.  For Audi, who has become a key research and development center for lightweight fuel saving technologies, Ducati's engine technology could add a new development dimension.

    Audi is owned by Volkswagon who also owns Lamborghini, Skoda, Seat, Bentley, Audi and Bugatti.

    Ducati Motorcycles Website

    Audi Website

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  • blurplebuzz I am like amazed that VW owns all these top flight auto makers,they must have a lot of $$$ to blow,the fact that they own Bugatti I find incredible,I thought it was still operating as a independent auto maker?
    What I cant figure out why sell Ducati when...  more
  • Lucky Actually Ducati was having some financial problems a few years back when they were bought by Investindustrial - an Italian private equity firm. Typically a private equity firm will invest in a company they see potential in (be it a start up or an...  more
  • LCStrat This is sad, but I saw my first Ducati up close last weekend at a bike show, a 999s with glass to allow you to see some of the moving parts. If Ducati is sold I hope they keep their focus on great handling and high performance twins.
  • blurplebuzz Just read a review from 05 in Cycleworld,they had the 999 for 2 years and gave it very high marks,cant imagine Ducati would stop making a high end product.
    VW gets some of the best ratings from consumer auto groups, they are building great cars,my sister...  more