Volkswagen Group Evaluates Sale Option for Ducati
Automotive giant Volkswagen has put the future of the Italian motorcycle brand Ducati on the table as part of portfolio management and restructuring efforts.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner announced that evaluations are being made regarding Italian motorcycle manufacturer Ducati as part of the Volkswagen Group's portfolio management, but no clear decision has been made yet.
Portfolio Management and Ducati Review
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner stated that the Italian brand is among the 600 of Volkswagen's 2,000 reviewed businesses. Döllner emphasized that they are determined to implement disciplined portfolio management within the group.
Estimated Value of the Company and Markets
According to Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Michael Dean, the value of the Bologna-based company, which produces super bikes like the Panigale, is around 1.25 billion euros based on valuations of comparable companies.
Restructuring and Downsizing Steps
Volkswagen, Europe's largest car manufacturer, is downsizing its operations in order to increase its competitiveness. The supervisory board approved a package that will narrow the holding portfolio by approximately one-third.
Past Sale Attempts and Obstacles
Audi had acquired Ducati in 2012. The company also evaluated the possibility of a sale in 2017, but had to abandon the process midway due to opposition from German labor representatives.
Financial Performance and Racing Successes
Ducati reaches a sales figure of approximately 50,000 units per year. Last year, the company generated 925 million euros in revenue with an operating profit of 52 million euros, while winning six consecutive MotoGP championships since 2020.