Harley-Davidson thought about buying Ducati

The American manufacturer of Harley-Davidson motorcycles is going to buy the Italian company Ducati. It is reported by Reuters with reference to sources.

The amount of the transaction can amount to € 1.5 billion. As noted, the proposals for the purchase of Ducati are also prepared by the Indian manufacturer of Bajaj Auto motorcycles and several investment funds. One of the sources of the agency said that Goldman Sachs will be a transaction consultant.

Preliminary purchase proposals are expected in July. According to Reuters, to buy Ducati, among others, wants a private investment fund Kohlberg Kravis Roberts.

Volkswagen, whose Audi division controls Ducati, works under a transaction with the Evercore investment boutique. It is noted that the proceeds should help the automaker recover after a diesel scandal. Sales information were sent to several potential buyers, including the former owner of Ducati, Investindustrial.

BMW, Honda and Suzuki were also conceived about the purchase of Ducati, but then they decided to refuse to participate in the transaction, the agency’s sources said.

The Italian company Ducati, known as the manufacturer of powerful sports motorcycles, was formed in 1926. Initially, the company was engaged in the production of radio engineering, but after the Second World War, the demand for radio components fell sharply, so Ducati began to produce motorcycles and motorcycles.

The largest American manufacturers of Harley-Davidson motorcycles was founded in 1903.