Bajaj Auto International Holdings (BAIHBV), a Netherlands-based wholly-owned subsidiary of Bajaj Auto, has raised its stake in KTM Power Sports in an attempt to tighten its grip on Europe’s second-largest power sports bike manufacturer. India’s second-largest motorcycle maker purchased 2.44 lakh shares in KTM, taking the total shareholding to 38.09% from 35.7%. In April this year, Bajaj Auto had raised its shareholding in KTM to 35.7% from 31.9%. Bajaj Auto has been steadily increasing its stake in KTM from 14.5% in 2007.The driving force in KTM has been the brand fit and the non-over-lapping strategy.
Bajaj Auto is the second-largest shareholder in KTM. The largest shareholders — Stefan Pierer and Rudolf Knuenz hold more than 51%. Bajaj Auto and KTM are working on joint development projects. The first of the co-developed products KTM Duke 125 will hit the European market in 2011. The launch of a KTM product suitable for India is planned in the second half of 2011. The Austrian bike manufacturer also wants to co-develop entry level bikes in association with Bajaj for the European market.
The KTM bikes, Duke and RR, will be assembled at Bajaj Auto’s Chakan facility. Till date, Bajaj Auto has invested around Rs 800 crore for its shareholding in KTM. Recently KTM PS reported results for their fiscal year ended August 31, 2010 returning to profits despite difficult market conditions, on the back of good market acceptance of their new Motocross range and strong cost control measures. Margins stood at about 12% and the profit after tax at e11.9 million.
crackcrackCompany Name | CMP |
---|---|
Bajaj Auto | 8812.85 |
Hero MotoCorp | 4258.80 |
TVS Motor | 2425.00 |
Eicher Motors | 4786.40 |
Atul Auto | 571.00 |
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