Ducati in final stages of being sold?

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https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/rajiv-bajaj-ducati-purchase/

Americans probably can’t place the name “Rajiv Bajaj” when they hear it, though his last name should give you a clue. As the Managing Director of Bajaj Auto, Rajiv Bajaj is in charge of one of the largest motorcycle brands in the world.

Bajaj is one of the many firms vying for ownership of Ducati Motor Holding – that is of course assuming that the Volkswagen Group actually sells the iconic motorcycle brand, which is a big “if” to make.

For Bajaj though, they seem fairly confident that Ducati will sell, and even more confident that the Italian brand will be part of their motorcycle portfolio. Talking to the Economic Times, Bajaj has hinted that his company was in the final stages of sealing the deal with Ducati.

“We are very close to finalising a very promising alliance,” said Bajaj. “It’s not certain, that it will happen, but if it happens, it will open up enormous possibilities for the company. That is why we keep our money (cash on books) with us, so, once in a while, when an opportunity comes along, we are ready.”
Bajaj is reported to have about $13 billion in free cash stashed away on its books, which means that the Indian firm could easily float the €1.5 billion that Volkswagen is looking for.

A Ducati purchase for Bajaj could make some sense too, for both brands, as Bajaj is looking for continued traction outside of the Indian market (especially in large-displacement machines), and Ducati could benefit from Bajaj’s low-cost manufacturer abilities (and its access to the Asian markets).
 
it will end in :tears

I thought all the Indian manufacturers (Enfield & Bajaj) had backed out in favour of Harley-Davidson - seems not.

At least Bajaj do have reasonable form in Europe, with KTM/WP. E1.5Bn seems cheap to me, but after dieselgate I guess VAG are desperate to strengthen up the balance sheet.
 
I suppose it cannot be any worse than Bmw having manufacturing done in China !
 


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