Now it's official: Audi buys Ducati

Now it's official! Confirmation arrived today: Audi bought Ducati. investindustrial has reached an agreement with the German manufacturer and the famous Borgo Panigale brand, therefore it will become part of the company Group Volkswagen.

Nothing precise is known about the cost of the operation, but it seems that the figure is around 860 million euros. Also Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan, leading Canadian investor, e BS Investments, sold their stakes in Ducati to Audi AG.

“Ducati has grown significantly under our leadership, thanks to an intense industrial turnaround and a commercial push into new rapidly growing markets – declared the president of Investindustrial, Andrea Bonomi -. We are convinced that the company, in the capable hands of Audi, will continue to have an extremely positive and satisfying future for customers and company workers" commented Andrea Bonomi, whose investment group had headed Ducati since 2006.

"We believe that Audi is the best partner to continue the globalization process that has already been successfully started – he continued -. The management team, led by Gabriele Del Torchio, and all the qualified and passionate Ducati staff have played a fundamental role in transforming the company into a global brand, developing some of the most interesting motorcycle models currently on the market".

"I am convinced that Audi will prove to be a responsible and capable new owner, capable of preserving the technological skills of the company's Italian employees to achieve a further growth process for Ducati. The Group has a loyal and growing customer base, which will be well protected, thanks to the global presence and technical excellence of Audi and the Volkswagen Group".

"The transaction represents the second acquisition in just a few months of an Investindustrial company by an international industrial buyer following the recent sale of Permasteelisa to the Japanese JS Group. Audi's decision to purchase Ducati confirms the validity of Investindustrial's strategy to invest in Italy, home to many valuable companies which, if appropriately guided and supported, can become global brands of the highest quality“, concluded Bonomi.

The president of the management board was also satisfied Audi AG, Rupert Stadler"Ducati is a globally recognized brand as regards motorbike manufacturers, but also for its sporting tradition. He has great experience with high-performance and very light engines. Without forgetting that we are talking about one of the most profitable manufacturers in the world. All characteristics that made Ducati perfect for Audi."