As recent as last month, it was almost for certain, partly thanks to their recent collaboration and persisting rumors, that Mercedes-Benz‘s performance branch, Mercedes AMG, will be buying superbike maker DUCATI. But that might not be the case anymore as speculation of a second suitor, Volkswagen Group‘s Audi division, negotiating a buyout. Climbing up the ranking in profitability and brand recognition among the three German luxury automakers, Audi long had its sight set on the #1 spot and the current top dog, BMW. With its purchase of DUCATI, Audi can compete head-to-head with BMW’s 2-wheel brands, the BMW Motorrad and Husqvarna. For DUCATI, the sale, listed at EU€ 850 million or US$ 1.1 billion, will be a way for the legendary motorcycle maker to write down its EU€ 850 million debt. Neither Audi, Mercedes-Benz, nor DUCATI confirm the rumor at this time. via: Car Magazine
