Audi in talks to buy bike maker Ducati: Sources

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Volkswagen AG unit Audi is in talks to buy Italian motorbike maker Ducati, two sources familiar with the matter said, in a deal that could extend a long-standing rivalry with BMW to superbikes as well as premium cars.

If talks with Ducati's private equity owner Investindustrial are successful, the Volkswagen empire would add lightweight high-revving engines to an engineering portfolio which includes cutting-edge car, heavy truck and ship engine technology.

Audi is conducting due diligence and a decision about a purchase is expected by mid April, one of these sources said.

Volkswagen could announce a deal as soon as its annual shareholders' meeting is on April 19.

Volkswagen, Audi and Ducati's owners declined to comment.

Earlier this month Investindustrial said it was looking for a ‘world class industrial partner’ for Ducati.

A spokesman for BMW, whose motorbike models include the R 1200 GS Adventure enduro and the S 1000 RR, said the company was not interested in a purchase of Ducati.

VW Chairman Ferdinand Piech, who has said he drives Ducatis himself, said a few years ago he regretted not having acquired the brand back when it could have been bought ‘for peanuts’.