Investindustrial to Sell Ducati

Ducati may be up for sale again, according to a report by The Financial Times.

The Italian manufacturer’s primary owner, private equity firm Investindustrial, is reportedly looking for a buyer in either the automotive industry or a rival motorcycle maker. The firm’s chairman, Andrea Bonomi, told Financial Times the time is right for finding a buyer.

“Ducati is now a perfect company but the further growth it requires needs the support of a world-class industrial partner,” Bonomi told The Financial Times. “This year, we will work towards that partner.”Investindustrial has owned a stake in Ducati since 2005. In 2008, Investindustrial bought out Ducati’s other owners with the support of BS Investimenti and Hospitals of Ontario Pension Plan (HOPP).”

According to The Financial Times, Investindustrial stands to make a billion euros (US$1.3 billion) by selling Ducati, or about three times the firm’s initial investment into the Bolognese company.

Last year, Investindustrial explored a public listing for Ducati on the Hong Kong stock exchange but it is now seeking groups in Asia, Europe and the U.S. Prospective buyers include BMW and Indian manufacturer Mahindra as well as the Volkswagen group.

[Source: The Financial Times]

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By Dennis Chung