KTM AG Acquires Controlling Stake in MV Agusta: Explaining the Buyout

KTM AG’s parent company, Pierer Mobility, has bought a controlling stake of 50.1% in Italian motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta. To bring you up to speed, talks of the acquisition began a while back, with the former buying a 25% stake in November last year. At the time, both Pierer Mobility and MV Agusta had confirmed the buyout would be complete by spring 2026, which seems to have occurred already this year. Like any corporate takeover, this deal comes with a lot of moving parts, which we will break down in this article.

Timur Sardarov, CEO, MV Agusta Motor S.p.A., said: “I am so excited about this new line launching right here, in our historic plant in Italy, while many other industries are delocalising or even stepping down production. All the efforts we’ve been putting in over the past couple of years are coming together and we are now seeing some very concrete results, with growing numbers and the increasing success of our latest models. This is not only an investment in our own operations, but also in this community and in our people.”

Dissecting the Deal

Ahead of its move in November last year, KTM AG had taken over the supply chain and purchasing of MV Agusta in October 2023. Post-November, the distribution of MV Agusta’s product range was in part via Pierer Mobility’s global sales network. In an official release, Pierer Mobility stated that the purchase price for the remaining 25% of the shares was calculated in accordance with the previously agreed valuation method (EBITDA multiple). This means that KTM AG will take over the majority and also the industrial management of MV Agusta Motor S.p.A.

The deal also brings about personnel changes in the company, with Hubert Trunkenpolz, a member of the executive board of Pierer Mobility AG, taking over the role of CEO and Chairman of the board of directors. He will be replacing Timur Sardarov, who will continue to be available to the company as Vice-Chairman, brand ambassador, and consultant.

Stronger Dealer Network

With the buyout coming in early, MV Agusta is planning an extensive expansion of its dealer network. The company is targeting to have 200 dealers globally, with 21 of them in Italy alongside authorized service centers as well. The USA, UK, Germany, and France will have around 40 that will be equipped with trained technicians and automated machinery.

Enhanced Customer-centric Approach

MV Agusta has placed customer relations at the top rung this year. A prime example of it is the re-introduction of its factory tours. These will be organized for the brand’s fans as well as customers by the dealerships, aiming to provide an opportunity to witness how each of their motorcycles is built by hand in Italy as well as getting to know the engineers and staff that make it happen. This might also be a good time to remember the company’s 4-year warranty that was launched last year.

Summary

Pierer Mobility, KTM AG’s parent company, has secured a 50.1% controlling stake in Italian motorcycle brand MV Agusta, advancing the acquisition process initially projected to complete by spring 2026. This strategic move was preceded by KTM AG assuming control over MV Agusta’s supply chain and distribution through Pierer Mobility’s global network. The acquisition facilitates a leadership transition, with Hubert Trunkenpolz stepping in as CEO. Additionally, MV Agusta is set to expand its dealer network to 200 locations worldwide, enhancing its customer-centric approach with initiatives like factory tours and a 4-year warranty, further committing to exceptional customer service and brand engagement.