Will GasGas soon also become a KTM family member?
Today unrest broke out at the GasGas factory in Spain. The unions and employees of the factory made it clear that they did not like a takeover by KTM.
Since the beginning of this year, rumors have emerged that the Austrian manufacturer is interested in taking over the ailing GasGas. However, all this now seems to be gaining momentum. The Spanish manufacturer applied for protection against its creditors in May this year and will soon be placed under guardianship. The curator in turn tries to find a solution for GasGas. A solution that might be found at KTM, Bajaj Auto or Stefan Pierer.
A solution that the staff does not immediately see as positive. They fear that the same thing could happen to GasGas as to Husqvarna. When KTM (Stefan Pierer) bought the then Italian brand, the factory was moved from Italy to Austria, causing all Italian employees to lose their jobs...
In addition to the 'KTM Family', MV Agusta is also an interested candidate buyer. One common rule applies to both parties. Both are still blank slates in the trail segment, but have already earned their stripes in their own segment. For KTM this is of course the Offroad and for MV Agusta this is the street motorcycle segment. A takeover could therefore be a great opportunity for both to acquire an already legendary brand such as GasGas, anchored in trail sports. A first foot in the door, for MV Agusta this may even mean a return to the sand and can we also dream of a 'revival' of their 'Cagiva'?
What will the European Union think of this is now just one of the questions. The 'EU' has a strict 'European Union competition law' that aims to combat monopolization of markets. Will they be okay with a takeover of GasGas by the KTM Family? Because GasGas, Husqvarna and KTM, the group around Stefan Pierer could well take a very large piece of the off-road segment.
Text: Matthias Van Eeckhoven – Photo: GasGas
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