Audi takes over Ducati

Audi AG announced that it has acquired from Investindustrial Group the Italian sports bike maker Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., known worldwide as a leading brand in motorcycle manufacture and racing, with outstanding expertise in engine development and lightweight construction.
“Ducati is known worldwide as a premium brand among motorcycle manufacturers and has a long tradition of building sporty motorcycles. It has great expertise in high-performance engines and lightweight construction, and is one of the world’s most profitable motorcycle manufacturers. That makes Ducati an excellent fit for Audi,” said Rupert Stadler, Chairman of Audi.
“We must use the opportunities offered by globalisation for Audi – and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Everyone at Audi is looking forward to working with our new colleagues from Ducati,” added Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of Audi.
Ducati has manufacturing operations at its headquarters in Bologna and in Thailand. It maintains a series of importer companies in strategic markets. Experts predict that the motorcycle market will enjoy strong growth over the next few years. In 2011, Ducati sold around 42,000 motorcycles and generated revenue of some €480 mln, employing around 1,100 people.