VW's Audi Buys Ducati for US$1.12 Billion

2011 Ducati Streetfighter S 3

Germany auto giant Audi, owned by Volkswagen, said on Wednesday it is in talks to buy over Ducati, the Italian maker of some of the most sought after exotic high-speed motorcycles in the industry.
"The deal will be completed as soon as possible after it is cleared by the authorities," Audi said in a statement. Various press reports have pegged the buying price at around 860 million euros (US$1.12 Billion).
The deal will see Volkswagen gaining entry into the top-end motorcycle market—head-to-head with its auto rival, BMW.
Ducati, established in Bolgna, northern Italy in 1926, is famous for its high-speed road and racing bikes, of which it sold 42,000 last year worth 480 million euros. Investindustrial, an investment fund, has controlled the company since 2006 with a 70 per cent stake.