Audi to Announce Ducati Purchase Next Week

Global automotive juggernaut Volkswagen is about to grow a little larger with rumors that it’s luxury car division Audi will announce a takeover of an iconic Italian brand next week. What makes this acquisition unique, however, is that the new company isn’t the four-wheel kind, preferring instead performance on two wheels.

According to inside sources, Audi may announce the purchase of motorcycle maker Ducati at the annual VW shareholders meeting on April 18th.

With Ducati believed to be in debt by as much as $1.25 billion, the actual purchase price of Ducati could be as little as $100 million with Audi agreeing to take over the Italian superbike maker’s substantial financial burdens.

Along with a desire to reach beyond cars and into the motorcycle business, rumors point to an interest in Ducati’s small engine technology as another reason for the takeover.

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