Audi and Ducati: The Final Negotiations
Friday, April 13, 2012 – Ever since Ducati announced that it was going up for sale to a company with the means to take their production to the new level, people have wondered who would end up snatching them up. In early March, Audi struck a deal with the Italian motorcycle company to have first dibs and has been trying to make up its mind over whether it's a good acquisition or not.
Earlier this week, however, it was reported that Audi had finished combing through the Italian company without coming across any serious issues. If Audi decides to take the plunge, they have the sole ability to start negotiations until April 15, meaning other companies with their eye on the red prize may be out of luck as early as April 18.
Audi has had a long standing feud with German based BMW, a company that excels in both the automobile and motorcycle industry. While Ducati does seem to have a substantial chunk of debt, it also would help bring Audi to the same level as its German competitor. Earlier in 2008, Volkswagen, Audi's larger umbrella corporation, had shown interest in the motorcycle company. Unfortunately, VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech lost out during a bidding war with Ducati's current share-holder Investindustrial.
For more on why Ducati is selling and Audi's interest check out "For Sale: Ducati" and "Audi to Buy Ducati."
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