Volkswagen luxury car company Audi is negotiating with Ducati owner Investindustrial, in what could culminate in a buyout of the Italian exotic bike maker. The marriage of the two automotive giants fits well with Audi’s ambitious ‘Project Eagle,’ aimed at elevating VW into the world’s largest auto manufacturer, and Audi is learnt to have a dedicated task force working to decode the deal and add a feather to its cap.
Earlier, Andrea Bonomi, Investindustrial head has stated Ducati is looking for a world-class industrial partner for its future growth and wants to sell the iconic brand for one billion Euros.
Ducati sold 42,000 motorcycles through 2011 and commands a nine percent share in its segment. The company has been making all the right moves over the past few years, launching segment leading motorcycles like their versatile Multistrada 1200, the Diavel power-cruiser and 1199 Panigale race replica.