Audi has reportedly received a €7.5 billion ($11.6 billion) offer for Lamborghini, but the raging bull looks set to remain a part of the Volkswagen Group stable.
“This is not the subject of any discussion within the group. Lamborghini is not for sale,” an Audi spokesperson told Automotive News.
According to both Automobilwoche and Autocar, Quantum Group AG have sent a non-binding letter of intent to the Volkswagen Group outlining its desire to purchase the brand, its factory and headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, and Lamborghini’s racing outfit.
Lamborghini’s Sant’Agata Bolognese HQ
As part of the proposed purchase, Quantum wanted a five-year supply agreement with Audi, and was willing to offer current employees a five-year job guarantee.
If the offer had been accepted, the Zurich-based firm also planned to invest in a new development centre with around 850 staff.
Late last year, reports emerged the Volkswagen Group was looking to roll its Italian assets – Lamborghini, bike maker Ducati, and design outfit Italdesign – into one organisation in preparation for a sale or public listing.
At a board meeting at the beginning of 2021, the German automaker resolved to keep Lamborghini and Ducati, and help them invest in electrification technologies.
Audi bought Lamborghini from its Indonesian and Malaysian owners in 1998. Thanks to constant investment, and an expansion into V10 sports cars and, later, crossovers, Lamborghini has been setting sales records and generating healthy profits.
In the Volkswagen Group’s hierarchy, Audi is responsible for Bentley and Lamborghini, and has a close working relationship with Porsche.
Audi has been part of Volkswagen since 1965, and since last year is now a wholly-owned subsidiary.
