Audi AG acquires Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.

Audi AG is acquiring from Investindustrial Group the tradition-steeped Italian sports motorcycle manufacturer, Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., which has its registered office in Bologna. The Supervisory Boards of Audi AG and Volkswagen AG approved the acquisition in Hamburg. Ducati is known worldwide as a leading brand in motorcycle manufacture, with outstanding expertise in engine development and lightweight construction. Alongside the traditional Italian brands Lamborghini and Italdesign, Ducati is now a third pillar for Audi AG in Northern Italy. Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of Audi AG, declared “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.” Peter Mosch, Chairman of the General Works Council of Audi AG, explains that the employee representatives of Audi AG support the Company’s sustainable, co-determined growth strategy. “We must use the opportunities offered by globalization for Audi – and that’s exactly what we’re doing. Everyone at Audi is looking forward to working with our new colleagues from Ducati,” commented Mosch. The progressive control systems and special combustion chamber process of Ducati engines, their resulting sporty character, and Ducati’s extensive know-how in lightweight construction thus offer great potential for Audi AG and the Volkswagen Group.