Ducati Restructure/Relaunch

[Matt Bleck]

I have read about this on a few sites.

I didn't know that they where in the shit, does anyone Know what's happened there??

[Waylander]

Much interested in this too.

[rasty]

Is this what you are referring to ??


PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT SIGNED TO TRANSFER THE TPG CONTROLLING STAKE IN DUCATI TO INVESTINDUSTRIAL.

DUCATI MOTOR SATISFIED WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT.

Bologna, 3 December 2005 – Satisfaction at Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A (NYSE: DMH, Borsa Italiana S.p.A: DMH), with the announcement of the preliminary agreement to transfer the Texas Pacific Group (majority shareholder of the Bologna motorcycle manufacturer) controlling stake in Ducati to Investindustrial Holdings.

“We had always hoped to have Investindustrial as our partner for the re-launch of the company” commented Federico Minoli, President and CEO of Ducati Motor Holding. “the transfer of shares provides the guarantees that Ducati needs in order to continue its growth and reach the goals it has been working towards. The agreement is subject to the approval of Ducati’s banks. We will be working with all of our main banks, with the assistance of Unicredito Banca Mobiliare – UBM – to finalize the agreement as efficiently and quickly as possible. We expect to operate in a calm and harmonious way, combining forces and sharing results with those partners who have our same passion and pride for the worldwide success of Italian bikes”.

Founded in 1926, Ducati builds racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The Company produces motorcycles in six market segments which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport, Monster, Sport Touring, Multistrada and the new SportClassic. The Company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European, Japan and North American markets. Ducati has won thirteen of the last fifteen World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the Company, please visit our web site at www.ducati.com.

[Matt Bleck]

Oh so their not in the shit then?? Just relaunching with new investors??

Doesn't quite add up!!

[SPman]

I think they had a few wobbles.....but.....then.....they wouldnt be an Italian bike company, without a few...financial dramas, to enliven proceedings!
TPG wanted to regroup, or " stick to their core holdings" , or sumthink!

[rasty]

Doesn't come across as wildly optimistic does it?


Ducati To Print More Paper; Restructure Company
by staff
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
While US sales are still relatively strong, the rest of the world's Ducati market is not and these factors are forcing Ducati to restructure the company and increase the number of shares.

This just in from Ducati:

Ducati Board of Directors, December 16th, 2005

Bologna, December 16th, 2005 - The Board of Directors of Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A. (NYSE: DMH; Borsa Italiana: DMH) has approved today, among other items, the following:

1) an accrual on the 2005 Profit and Loss of a Euro 13.0 million restructuring reserve to support the reduction of dealer bike stock and to readdress and retrain the organizational structure of the Company;

2) the call of an Extraordinary Shareholders' Meeting on January 24, 2006 (first call) and January 26, 2006 (second call), to grant the Board of Directors powers to increase the Company's share capital, for consideration and in one or more instances, over a period of five years, up to a maximum amount of Euro 80,0 million through the issuance of DMH ordinary shares to be offered to shareholders by way of subs

cription rights, and the subsequent amendment of Article 7 of the Company's By-laws.

In addition, the Board of Directors communicates that the industrial plan to relaunch the Company is being prepared and will be presented to the market as soon as possible.

END

[HenryDorsetCase]

My understanding is that TPG are an equity firm who buy wobbly companies, get them going again, then sell out for a profit. Like Brierleys started out doing and GPG now. Larger scale obviously.

Maybe they have done what they set out to do, and are now cashing up?

I did read an article about them somewhere... cant find it now though.

Ducati certainly has the brand, and the products.