Ducati's Aprilia bid fails

Aprilia’s bosses have rejected Ducati’s bid to buy their troubled firm – leaving the way clear for Piaggio.

The Ducati offer appears to have floundered over the price the firm was prepared to pay and over the repayment of Aprilia’s debts – believed to be around £40m.

Ducati’s president Federico Minoli said: “We are strongly convinced that our offer represents the true value of the Aprilia group.”

Aprilia is now in sole negotiation with Piaggio. Italian trade unions fear a merger between Aprilia and Piaggio could result in job losses in any rationalisation of the firm’s scooter ranges.

Scooter sales have suffered in Italy as a result of ever-tightening legislation.

HAVE YOUR SAY about this story. Click here.