Audi buy Ducati for USD 1.12 Billion
MUNICH – German automotive company Audi AG, the official purchase Italian sport bike manufacturer, Ducati. As quoted by Reuters on Wednesday (18.04.2012) Audi spend funds amounting to 860 million Euro.
Audi is still under the ownership of VW Group is scheduled to sign a purchase agreement with Ducati, Thursday (04/19/2012). In the agreement reached, the price of Euro 860 million of debt was reduced. Then value of Ducati up about seven times earnings last year.
Volkswagen CEO Ferdinand Piech had expressed interest to buy a Ducati since April 2008. But eventually defeated by the current owners of Ducati Investindustrial, a private equity firm based in Italy.
By purchase of Ducati stock, VW list portfolio is a growing to compete with BMW. VW already has a car manufacturer, a large truck, boat engines and motorcycles as well.
Ducati had hoped Audi would buy the stock with a purchase value reached 850 million euros. This figure will be used to cover debts worth 200 million Euro.
Engine technology is the reason to buy Ducati
The European automotive analyst stated, Audi interested in Ducati engine technology development. Ducati motorcycles have an engine capable of producing 200 horsepower power per liter. Meanwhile, other manufacturers have to use a turbo if you want to get that number.
“Ducati is a premium sports motorcycle icon. They have a long history in motor sport and Ducati are very expert to develop high-performance engine with a blend of lightweight construction,” explained Rupert Stadler Audi Board of Management, was quoted as saying autoevolution.
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