One of the most famous motorcycle brands in the world, Ducati is up for sale. Ducati is currently owned by Investindustrial Holdings SpA under the name Performance Motorcycles SpA. Mr Andrea Bonomi, Chairman, Investindustrial Holdings, said, “Ducati is now a perfect company but the further growth it requires needs the support of a world-class industrial partner. This year, we will work towards that partner.”
Ducati was founded by the Ducati brothers – Bruno, Marcello and Adriano back in 1926. In a small town of Italy called Bologna, Ducati brother’s set-up the first Ducati shop to sell radio components, condensers and vacuum tubes. By 1935, Ducati was so famous that they had enough money to build their own factory. Ducati has been selling sportbikes since 1946. Till the year 1950, Ducati family owned Ducati Motorcycles. After 1950, Ducati has had multiple owners. Finally in 2005, Ducati ownership was back in Italian hands when it was bought by Investindustrial Holdings.
Talking more about selling brand Ducati, Mr Bonomi said that many investors and auto manufacturers have shown their interest in buying Ducati. Investindustrial Holdings expect Ducati to be sold for a price of $1.6 million (£1 million). Some of the potential Ducati buyers include, German brands like BMW and Volkswagen, and India’s vehicle manufacturer, Mahindra and Mahindra.
Ducati superbike sales are on the rise globally. In US, Ducati sold 43% more bikes last year compared to 2010 sales figures. In 2011, US also became the largest market for Ducati motorcycles, for the first time. Today Ducati sells motorcycles around the world under brand which include Diavel, Hypermotard, Moster, Multistrada, Streetfighter and Superbike.
Also see – Ducati introduces official Indian wesite!
