The country’s largest 2 wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp might have a go at acquiring the ownership rights over the famous Italian bike manufacturing firm, Ducati. The Indian auto giant is planning to spread its presence globally, and they have enough of financial cushioning to do so. Though Hero MotoCorp (formerly known as Hero Honda) have dissolved the partnership with Honda, but as per the agreement Honda has to provide technical support till 2014 to Hero MotoCorp. Recently Hero MotoCorp have partnered with American bike manufacturing firm Erik Buell Racing (EBR), and also have plans to purchase some stake of this American bike manufacturing firm.
Ducati is looking for good buyers, many leading auto manufacturers across the globe have shown interest in the initial stages, but later changed their decisions. Hero MotoCorp is the latest company that is showing interest in acquiring this Italian bike manufacturing company. There are news inputs that Hero MotoCorp is speaking to its entire bank official regarding the finances to bid for Ducati. Apart from this, there is no information available on this at the moment.
Hero MotoCorp decision to buy stake of Ducati will catch the eye of another Indian auto giant Bajaj Giant. Bajaj Auto will keenly observe all the latest development Hero MotoCorp is making as part of acquiring Ducati. Bajaj Auto also have bought 14.5% stake in KTM, which is an Austrian bike manufacturing company. KTM is one of the leaders in manufacturing off-road bikes in Europe and also have a major share in global market for off-road bikes. As part of the deal, Bajaj Auto will be marketing all the KTM bikes and products in India. They have recently launched KTM Duke 200 in the Indian market. KTM Duke 200 will be manufactured at the Bajaj manufacturing unit in Chakan, Maharashtra.
