Harley-Buying-Ducati Rumors Confirmed! Sorta…
Reuters reports that long-rumored deal worth $1.67 billion is on the horizon for U.S. and Italian motorcycle makers.
A big shake-up may soon cause some major restructuring in the world of top motorcycle makers. In a new media blast, Reuters, via unnamed sources, confirms as true the long-standing rumors that Harley-Davidson is readying to buy one of the iconic company’s biggest rivals, Italian brand Ducati. If Harley does end up outbidding other interested companies from around the world, like India’s Bajaj Auto, the Ducati deal could be worth $1.67 billion, according to Reuters.
Although Reuters’ new revelations have the global motorcycle world buzzing, the Ducati deal does not seem to be something that is going to close any time soon, and probably not by the end of the year. According Ducati’s parent company, Volkswagon, the Italian motorcycle brand’s decision makers are in no rush and want to wait until they can secure the right buyer. Meanwhile, Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company is expected to place a bid as early as next month.
The delay could be beneficial for Harley-Davidson and provide time for the company to put together its best pitch. However, the company’s decision makers can rest a little easier knowing that some serious competition has already publicly acknowledged that they are bowing out of any potential bidding war. Those companies include Japanese motorcycle makers Honda and Suzuki and Germany’s BMW.
Ducati made headlines for a previous sale in 2012, when it was acquired by Audi, the luxury vehicle division of Volkswagon. That deal reportedly cost Volkswagon $1.12 billion.
