Could BMW Really be About to Buy KTM?

KTM could be about to become a part of one of the world’s biggest and best-known car and motorcycle makers, as BMW is reported to be lining up a deal for the Austrian brand.

There is nothing official from either KTM or BMW at this time, although a press release from KTM following its court proceedings is expected to appear today at some point. Nonetheless, the rumours regarding to of the motorcycle industry's best-known brands can’t be ignored, and they are all saying the same thing.

Is BMW about to buy KTM?

It’s being reported by multiple outlets, which is a bit like Chinese whispers, that BMW is set to make a move on KTM. The source of the news seems to be the Austrian news outlet oe24, which it states comes directly from an “insider who is familiar with the KTM restructuring”. It goes on to say that the insolvency administrator dealer with KTM’s restructuring plan, Dr. Peter Vogl, wants to see a specific brand taking stewardship of the brand. The company that Dr. Vogl apparently favours in this instance, is BMW.

It goes on to claim that the takeover would have far-reaching effects on the company, with one of the biggest being a move away from its homeland. According to oe24, the insider has stated, "At the compensation meeting on Tuesday, BMW Motorrad wants to get involved as an investor and continue the KTM brand - but no longer in Austria.” The outlet goes on to state that BMW’s plan is to move the development of KTM’s products to Munich while shifting all production out of Europe and into Asia - specifically India.

Adding weight to the rumours is the news that, according to oe24, the financial institution Oberbank already has dealings with both KTM and BMW. It goes on to say that the insider has named Franz Gasselsberger, the Oberbank General Director, as having “good relations” with both brands.

As this story develops and once the press release from KTM is released, we’ll update this page.

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