Mercedes-AMG buys 25% of the motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta for an undisclosed price. The two companies will cooperate in the area of marketing and sales.
The rumours from last months were confirmed. Mercedes-AMG bought 25% of MV Agusta, but no details have been given about the price paid for the stake in MV Agusta. Sore rumours from various media speak about around 40 million euros.
The partnership is still subject to the approval of the relevant authorities, which is expected to be granted in late November.
According to this agreement, a Daimler executive will join the MV Agusta board.
Both companies have a very similar philosophy about quality and exclusivity. In the AMG engine factory in Affalterbach, highly qualified engine mechanics build the engines by hand according to the highest quality standards and the principle of “one man, one engine”. This exclusive craftsmanship fits exactly with the MV Agusta philosophy of raising the development and manufacturing of motorcycles to a whole new level: “motorcycle art”.
Read also Daimler eyes stake in MV Agusta
Tobias Moers, Chief Executive of Mercedes-AMG GmbH stated: “In MV Agusta, we have found the perfect two-wheel partner for Mercedes-AMG. This manufacturer with a long tradition and Mercedes-AMG are connected not only by a long and successful racing history, but also by shared values and goals for the future – allowing the experience of utmost perfection, optimal performance and motorsport technology for the road.
The cooperation with MV Agusta also underscores the importance of AMG as the sports-car and high-performance brand of Mercedes-Benz Cars. The partnership provides us with an entry into a world of additional high-performance enthusiasts.”
On the other side, Giovanni Castiglioni, President and CEO of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., commented: “MV Agusta and Mercedes-AMG are a perfect brand fit: Two complementary companies that stand for design, high performance and excellence. Mercedes-AMG will help MV Agusta to further expand globally and to accelerate our growth. The uniqueness of MV Agusta will further enhance Mercedes-AMG’s leadership in the high-performance segment.”
About MV Agusta
MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. is located in Varese, Italy and was originally founded in 1945 by Domenico Agusta. The North Italian manufacturer attained international renown for its advanced technology and high performance, which helped to make it one of the most successful brands in the world of motorcycle racing. The company currently employs a workforce of approximately 260 employees at its headquarters located on the shore of Lago di Varese in Northern Italy, of whom 90 work in the area of research and development. MV Agusta’s product portfolio is based on two main platforms, comprising three- and four-cylinder models ranging from 675 to 1100 cubic centimeters engine displacement and occupying the supersport, superbike, sports-naked and crossover segments. MV Agusta Motor S.p.A. is also the owner of Cagiva, a further renowned Italian historical motorcycle brand.
The acquisition of 25% stake of MV Agusta by Mercedes-AMG came after the Germans start a collaboration with Ducati in 2011, which was stopped in 2012, when Audi bought Ducati for 860 million euros.
A win-win situation
For Mercedes-AMG the know-how of MV Agusta in the field of three and four compact four cylinder engines is very important for the future development of plug-In Hybrid and electric models.
The BMW i3 with range extender use a BMW motorcycle engine, meanwhile the VW XL Sport showed at Paris Motorshow this year has a Ducati 2 cylinder engine. In the perspective of the hybridization of Mercedes compact model range, the access to the technology of three and four cylinder compact engines is crucial for Mercedes.
On the other hand, the famous Italian brand needs a cash injection to take any future steps towards expansion. The partnership with Daimler gave access to cash reserves to increase significantly production levels.