Exclusive: VW Group receives €7.5bn offer for Lamborghini

The Volkswagen Group has received a €7.5 billion (£6.49bn) offer for Automobili Lamborghini, Autocar can reveal exclusively.

The non-binding offer, made in a letter of intent sent to the Volkswagen Group earlier this month, sets out terms for the purchase of Automobili Lamborghini by Quantum Group AG.

The newly established Zurich-based holding company has formed a consortium with London-based investment firm Centricus Asset Management with the aim of creating what it describes as a "technology and lifestyle investment platform" under the working title Outlook 2030.

Quantum Group AG is represented in the acquisition offer for Lamborghini by Rea Stark, a co-founder of Piech Automotive, the Zurich-based company behind the Piëch Mark Zero GT revealed at the 2019 Geneva motor show.

Also among Piëch Automotive executives are Anton Piëch, son of former Volkswagen Group chairman Ferdinand Piëch, and ex-Porsche CEO Matthias Müller. However, it is not known at this stage if they are involved in the acquisition offer.

The acquisition of Automobili Lamborghini, including its storied Sant'Agata manufacturing headquarters in Italy as well as its motorsport operations, is claimed to be central to the investment interests of Quantum Group AG, which is seeking discussions with the Volkswagen Group as a formal step towards carrying out initial due diligence on the company.

Both Volkswagen Group chairman Herbert Diess and Audi chairman Markus Duesmann are claimed to have knowledge of the acquisition offer for Lamborghini, a copy of which - along with other confidential documents, including a so-called 'Vision Book' outlining key elements of the purchase proposal - has been obtained by Autocar.

Automobili Lamborghini is controlled by Volkswagen Group-owned Audi. Founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, its current models include the Huracán, Aventador and Urus – all of which rely heavily on Volkswagen Group components.

Under the vision set out by Quantum Group AG, the Lamborghini brand would become a "spearhead for innovation by consistently implementing new clean drivetrain technologies".

Together with the proposed acquisition of Automobili Lamborghini, the letter of intent sets out terms for a strategic partnership between Quantum Group AG and the Volkswagen Group for the future operations of the 58-year-old Italian supercar manufacturer, including a five-year supplier agreement with Audi at what is described as "one arm's length terms".

Lamborghini recorded 7430 sales in 2020, a decline from record annual sales of 8205 in 2019. Despite the drop, largely attributed to a 70-day shutdown at its Sant'Agata factory in Italy due to the pandemic, profits increased to an unspecified record on revenues of €1.61bn (£1.39bn).