Audi buys Ducati
by The Canadian Press
Ducati motorcycles are known for their lightweight construction the L-twin engine configuration—with one cylinder nearly vertical and the other almost horizontal.
BERLIN—Volkswagen AG’s Audi unit will buy Italian high-performance motorcycle maker Ducati Motor Holding SpA from Investindustrial Group.
The move gives VW another glossy brand to go with its Lamborghini, Bugatti and Bentley luxury auto makers.
Audi did not disclose the purchase price.
Audi said the deal “will be completed as quickly as possible” once antitrust authorities have approved it.
Ducati, based in Bologna, has about 1,100 employees and sold nearly 42,000 motorcycles last year for $630 million in revenue.
The company’s motorcycles race in the MotoGP and Superbike circuits. They are known for their lightweight construction the L-twin engine configuration—with one cylinder nearly vertical and the other almost horizontal.
Investindustrial Group said stakeholders Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan and BS Investimenti also sold their stakes in Ducati to Audi.
