Mercedes-Benz’s performance house AMG has been in talks with Ducati since November 2011. However, reports suggested that Daimler was going to eventually take over the Italian motorcycle manufacturer.
Daimler quickly denied any such deal with Ducati after reports in Italy’s Corriere della Sera suggested that the German auto-giant was looking for acquiring the Italian motorcycle brand. We had previously brought you the news of Audi taking interest in Ducati. Last month, the brand with four wings had reported deal with Ducati at 870 million to 875 million Euros.
The report also claimed that Investindustrial, the Italian motorcycles’ parent company was in talks with Audi, Daimler and several other brands. AMG currently supports the Ducati Corse MotoGP team. Ducati is also considering an initial public offering in Hong Kong, however, the two-wheel wizard would prefer a single buyer considering the price was right.
Last month, Andrea Bonomi, chairman of Investindustrial, told the Financial Times that “the further growth [Ducati] requires needs the support of a world-class industrial partner”.
There is no mention in this report of the Indian auto marque, Mahindra taking interest in buying the Italian motorcycle brand.
If the negotiation with Audi turns out successfully, this would be the first motorcycle brand added to the Volkswagen nine-brand lineup, which already dazzles with Audi, Skoda, Bentley, Bugatti, Scania, SEAT and Lamborghini.