Ducati could buy Moto Guzzi

Currently owned by Aprilia, in serious financial difficulties, the Moto Guzzi brand could pass into the fold of Ducati which is preparing to make a takeover offer.

The Italian manufacturer Ducati, founded in 1926 and today 33% owned by the American investment fund Texas Pacific Group, has just confirmed its interest in the Moto Guzzi brand, founded in 1919 and acquired by Aprilia in 2000.

"Ducati confirms its interest in Moto Guzzi as we have done in the past", indicates the Bologna firm which plans to"formally formulate an offer in the coming weeks".

In need of new money, the Aprilia group (Aprilia, Moto Guzzi and Laverda) is currently going through a big financial crisis: its debt reached 220 million euros at the end of 2003 (against 199 million at the end of 2002). Nearly 650 employees at the Scorze plant near Venice were placed on technical unemployment on April 15, more than half of the company’s staff.

Among the potential buyers of Moto Guzzi are also circulating the names of Piaggio, BMW and Bombardier, via the engine manufacturer Rotax.

Eric MICHEL

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