Who owns Bugatti Automobiles? Bugatti Automobiles is currently owned by Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture between the Rimac Group and Porsche AG. The joint venture between Rimac Group and Porsche AG was finalized in late 2021. Under the joint venture terms, Rimac Group owns 55% of Bugatti Rimac, while Porsche AG owns 45%. This means that Rimac Group has majority control of Bugatti Automobiles. However, Porsche AG still has a significant stake in the company and is involved in the strategic direction of Bugatti Rimac.
The joint venture between the Rimac Group and Porsche AG brings many good things. Porsche AG is great at making fast cars, while Rimac is good at making electric car technology. Together, they can make new cars that go really fast and are suitable for the environment. They can also share the work and money needed to make these cars, which is helpful. This partnership helps Bugatti stay special while using new technology that’s good for the world.
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Ownership Structure of Bugatti Automobile
The ownership structure of Bugatti Automobile may appear straightforward at first glance. However, a more in-depth investigation of the two joint owners reveals that the ownership structure is actually quite complex.
The ownership structure of Bugatti Automobile is complex because it is a joint venture between two companies with different ownership structures. Rimac Group is a private company held by investors, which means that its shares are not traded on the stock market. On the other hand, Porsche AG is a public company, which means that its shares are traded on the stock market. This allows individuals to buy and sell the company’s shares, potentially benefiting from changes in its stock price.
This means there are two different sets of shareholders with different interests in Bugatti Automobile. The shareholders of Rimac Group are primarily interested in the long-term success of the company, while the shareholders of Porsche AG are also interested in the short-term financial performance of the company.
This difference in interests can make it difficult to make decisions about the company’s future. For example, if Porsche wants to invest more money in Bugatti to develop new models, it may need to get the approval of the shareholders of Rimac Group. If the shareholders of Rimac Group are unwilling to contribute more money, it could make it difficult for Porsche to proceed with its plans.
The complex ownership structure of Bugatti Automobile is a challenge that the company will need to manage in order to remain successful. The company will need to find ways to balance the interests of all of its stakeholders and make decisions that are in the best interests of the company as a whole.
Top Investors of Rimac Group
Mate Rimac
Mate Rimac owns 37% of the Rimac Group. Mate Rimac is a Croatian entrepreneur and engineer who is the founder and CEO of Rimac Automobili, a Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer. He is also the majority shareholder of the Rimac Group, a holding company that owns Rimac Automobili, Bugatti, and Greyp Bikes.
SoftBank Vision Fund 2
SoftBank Vision Fund 2 has a 20% stake in Rimac Group. The SoftBank Vision Fund 2 is a notable investment fund managed by SoftBank Group, a Japanese multinational conglomerate. This fund is designed to provide substantial capital to companies at the forefront of technological innovation.
SoftBank Vision Fund 2 aims to identify startups and businesses that have the potential to disrupt traditional industries and create new markets through groundbreaking technologies. The fund’s resources allow it to support companies in various stages of growth, from early-stage startups to more established enterprises. Its investments can play a significant role in accelerating the development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Goldman Sachs Asset Management has an 18% stake in Rimac Group. Goldman Sachs Asset Management Goldman Sachs Asset Management is a division of Goldman Sachs, a global investment banking firm. This division focuses on managing assets for a wide range of investors, including institutions and individuals.
The division’s interest in funding tech startups and emerging technologies showcases its recognition of the growth potential within the technology sector. By providing financial resources and expertise, Goldman Sachs Asset Management can contribute to the growth and success of startups and companies in their early stages.
Porsche
Porsche has a 24% stake in Rimac Group. Porsche is a renowned luxury sports car manufacturer based in Germany. Known for its high-performance vehicles, Porsche’s involvement in technological advancements within the automotive industry is notable.
The company’s interest extends beyond manufacturing stylish and powerful cars; it encompasses exploring technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous driving systems, advanced materials, and connectivity solutions. Porsche’s participation in such advancements underscores its commitment to staying relevant and competitive in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.
InvestIndustrial
InvestIndustrial has a 12% stake in Rimac Group. InvestIndustrial is a private equity firm headquartered in Europe. This firm specializes in making investments in various companies across different industries.
By focusing on technology-driven ventures, InvestIndustrial acknowledges the transformative power of technology in shaping industries and business models. Their participation in such ventures demonstrates their intent to drive growth and value in companies positioned to bring about significant advancements.
Top Shareholders of Porsche AG
Volkswagen AG
Volkswagen AG is a German multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany. It is the world’s largest automaker by sales and market capitalization.
Volkswagen AG owns a majority stake in Porsche AG, as well as a number of other automotive brands, including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and SEAT. Volkswagen AG owns a 75.01% stake in Porsche AG. This stake is held through Porsche Automobil Holding SE, a German holding company that the Porsche and Piech families control
Porsche Automobil Holding SE
Porsche Automobil Holding SE (Porsche SE) owns a 12.08% stake in Porsche AG. Porsche Automobil Holding SE is a German holding company that owns a majority stake in Porsche AG. It is also the parent company of Porsche Cars North America, Inc., which is responsible for the sales and marketing of Porsche vehicles in the United States. Porsche SE holding company was created in 2007 by the Porsche and Piech families.
The company mainly aims to hold the families’ stake in Volkswagen AG and Porsche AG. The stake of Porsche SE in Porsche AG gives the Porsche and Piech families a significant amount of influence over the company. The families can appoint a majority of Porsche AG’s board of directors’ members and veto certain decisions. However, the families do not have the same level of control over Porsche AG as Volkswagen AG does.
Norges Bank Investment Management
Norges Bank Investment Management is the investment management arm of Norges Bank, the central bank of Norway. It is responsible for managing the Norwegian Government Pension Fund Global, which is the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund. Norges Bank Investment Management owns a 2.22% stake in Porsche AG as part of its diversified investment portfolio.
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. is an American investment management firm headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. It manages over $1.7 trillion in assets for individuals, institutions, and governments. T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. owns a 1.34% stake in Porsche AG as part of its global equity portfolio.
Jennison Associates LLC
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc., is an American investment management firm headquartered in New York City. It manages over $2 trillion in assets for individuals, institutions, and governments. Jennison Associates LLC owns a 1.26% stake in Porsche AG as part of its global equity portfolio.
Bugatti Automobiles Ownership Transition
Bugatti Automobiles has experienced several ownership changes throughout its history. Founded by Ettore Bugatti in 1909, the company went through various stages of ownership due to financial challenges, changing geopolitical situations, and market shifts.
- Ettore Bugatti’s Era (1909-1947): Ettore Bugatti, an Italian-born French automobile designer and manufacturer, founded Bugatti in 1909. He established the Bugatti brand in Molsheim, Alsace, then part of the German Empire. Bugatti’s vehicles were known for their exceptional craftsmanship, innovative engineering, and impressive performance. The company gained a reputation for producing high-end luxury cars, race cars, and aircraft engines;
- Post-Ettore Period: After Ettore Bugatti’s death in 1947, his son Roland took over the company. However, financial challenges and changing market dynamics led to a decline in the brand’s prominence. The company underwent several ownership changes, leading to losing its former glory;
- Romano Artioli’s Ownership (1980s-1990s): In the late 1980s, Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli acquired the Bugatti brand and established Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. Artioli had a vision of reviving the brand and creating a new generation of Bugatti supercars. Under his ownership, the company developed and introduced the Bugatti EB110, a mid-engine supercar with advanced technology and performance features;
- Bankruptcy and Volkswagen Acquisition (1990s): Despite the introduction of the EB110, financial challenges persisted, leading Bugatti Automobili S.p.A. to declare bankruptcy in 1995. In 1998, the Volkswagen Group, a German automotive conglomerate, acquired the Bugatti brand. The acquisition was part of Volkswagen’s strategy to expand its portfolio and include high-performance luxury brands. Under Volkswagen’s ownership, Bugatti underwent a significant transformation. The brand was repositioned as a manufacturer of hyper-luxury, high-performance vehicles that pushed the boundaries of engineering and speed. One of the most notable achievements during this period was the introduction of the Bugatti Veyron in 2005. The Veyron became renowned for its unmatched speed, innovative technology, and extraordinary design;
- Bugatti Rimac Acquisition (2021–Present): In July 2021, Rimac Automobili, a Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer, acquired a majority stake in Bugatti Automobiles from the Volkswagen Group. The deal was worth $2 billion. Under the terms of the deal, Rimac will own 55% of Bugatti, while Porsche, which is also part of the Volkswagen Group, will own the remaining 45%. The acquisition is seen as a way for Rimac to access Bugatti’s expertise in high-performance engineering and design. Bugatti, in turn, will benefit from Rimac’s expertise in electric powertrains. The acquisition of Bugatti by Rimac is a significant development in the automotive industry. It is a sign that traditional automakers are increasingly looking to electric car technology companies for help transitioning to a zero-emissions future.
Who is the CEO of Bugatti Automobile?
Mate Rimac is the current CEO of Bugatti Automobile. He is also the founder and CEO of Rimac Automobili, the Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer that acquired Bugatti in 2021. Rimac is a young entrepreneur who started Rimac Automobili in 2009 at 21. Rimac was born in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in 1988. He showed an early interest in electronics and engineering, and he built his first car at 19.
In 2009, he founded Rimac Automobili intending to develop high-performance electric cars. Rimac is a visionary entrepreneur committed to making electric cars a reality. He is also a strong advocate for sustainability and innovation. He is a fitting CEO for Bugatti, a brand synonymous with luxury, performance, and innovation.
Notable Leaders and Key Figures in Bugatti’s History
Ettore Bugatti
The founder of Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti was a talented engineer and designer who created some of the most iconic cars of the early 20th century. He was also a visionary who saw the potential of Bugatti to become a leading luxury car brand.
Jean Bugatti
The son of Ettore Bugatti, Jean Bugatti was a talented engineer and designer who took over the company after his father’s death. He is credited with designing some of Bugatti’s most successful cars, including the Type 57 SC Atlantic.
Jean-Pierre Wimille
Jean-Pierre Wimille is a racing driver who has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times. Wimille was one of the most successful drivers of his era. He was also a close friend of Ettore Bugatti. Wimille was a talented driver who was known for his aggressive style. He was also a master of strategy, and he could extract the maximum performance from his cars. Wimille died in a car accident in 1949, at the age of 41. His death was a major loss to the racing world.
René Metge
Metge is another successful racing driver for Bugatti. Metge won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice. He is also a two-time winner of the Paris-Dakar Rally. Metge was a versatile driver who was able to compete successfully in both sports cars and rally cars. He was also a master of endurance racing, and he could keep his cars running for long periods of time. Metge retired from racing in 1986, but he remains active in the automotive industry. He is a consultant for Bugatti and other automakers. Also, he runs a driving school.
Volkswagen Group
The German automaker Volkswagen Group acquired Bugatti in 1998. Under Volkswagen’s ownership, Bugatti produced some of the world’s fastest and most expensive cars, including the Bugatti Veyron and the Bugatti Chiron. Volkswagen’s engineering excellence played a pivotal role in shaping Bugatti’s hypercars. The technical expertise of Volkswagen’s engineers contributed to the exceptional performance, speed, and aerodynamics of these vehicles.
Mate Rimac
The founder and CEO of Rimac Automobili now serves as the CEO of Bugatti. Rimac has helped to improve Bugatti’s financial performance. The company has been profitable since the merger and is expected to continue to grow in the years to come. He is a leading expert in electric vehicles and is expected to help Bugatti transition to electric power.
The Impact of Rimac’s Ownership on Bugatti’s Design and Engineering
The impact of Rimac’s ownership stake on Bugatti’s design and engineering is still unfolding, but it is expected to be significant. Rimac (Rimac Automobili) is a leading manufacturer of electric hypercars, and its expertise in this area is expected to help Bugatti develop its own electric supercars. Here are some of the specific ways in which Rimac’s ownership is expected to impact Bugatti’s design and engineering:
Electric powertrains
Rimac Automobili is a leading manufacturer of electric hypercars, and its expertise in this area is expected to help Bugatti develop its own electric supercars. Bugatti has already announced plans to launch an electric hypercar in 2024, and Rimac will likely play a key role in its development.
Lightweight
Rimac Automobili has a strong focus on lightweight, which is also important for Bugatti. Bugatti’s cars are known for their luxurious interiors, but they are also very heavy. Rimac’s expertise in lightweighting could help Bugatti reduce the weight of its cars without sacrificing performance or luxury.
Aerodynamics
Rimac Automobili also has a strong focus on aerodynamics, which is essential for high-performance cars. Bugatti’s cars are already very aerodynamic, but Rimac could help them to become even more efficient. Rimac has a number of technologies that could be used to improve Bugatti’s aerodynamics, including:
- Active aerodynamics: Rimac’s active aerodynamics system can adjust the airflow around the car depending on the driving conditions. This can help to improve the car’s stability, handling, and efficiency;
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD): Rimac uses CFD to simulate the airflow around its cars. This allows the company to design cars with optimal aerodynamics without having to build physical prototypes;
- Wind tunnel testing: Rimac also uses wind tunnel testing to validate its CFD simulations. This ensures that the company’s cars have the best possible aerodynamics.
Enhanced Brand Image
Rimac is a young and innovative company, and its association with Bugatti is expected to enhance the brand image of the latter. Bugatti is known for its luxury and performance, while Rimac is known for its technology and innovation. This combination could make Bugatti even more desirable to car enthusiasts.
Environmentally Friendly Cars
Bugatti is known for its high-performance cars, which are often powered by gasoline engines. However, Rimac is a leader in the development of electric vehicles. This means that Bugatti could use Rimac’s technology to develop its own electric cars, making the company more environmentally friendly.
Bugatti’s Role Within Rimac Group
The acquisition of Bugatti is a major milestone for the Rimac Group. It gives the company a foothold in the luxury hypercar market, and it also provides a platform for the company to showcase its electric vehicle technology. Here are some of the roles that Bugatti will play within the Rimac Group:
Serves as Flagship Brand
Bugatti is a well-known and respected brand with a long history of innovation and performance. It is synonymous with luxury, exclusivity, and speed. As the flagship brand of the Rimac Group, Bugatti will represent the company’s commitment to these values.
Bugatti will also help raise awareness of the Rimac Group and its other brands. For example, Bugatti could be used to launch new Rimac products or services. It could also be used to promote the Rimac Group’s sustainability initiatives. By associating itself with Bugatti, the Rimac Group can gain access to a new market of luxury hypercar buyers.
Share Expertise with Rimac
Bugatti has a wealth of expertise in the automobile industry. This expertise will be shared with the other Rimac Group brands, helping them develop more advanced electric vehicles. Bugatti will also continue to develop its own electric vehicle technology, which will be used in future Bugatti models.
Serve as Sales and Marketing Channel
Bugatti has a global dealer network that can be used to sell and service other Rimac Group brands. This will help the Rimac Group expand its reach and grow its customer base. For example, Bugatti’s dealer network could be used to sell Rimac’s electric vehicles to customers who are not familiar with the brand. Bugatti’s dealer network could also be used to provide service and support for Rimac’s electric vehicles.
Conclusion
Rimac Group and Porsche AG jointly own Bugatti. The joint ownership of Bugatti is expected to help the company transition to electric power and develop new hypercars that are even more innovative and exciting than the Bugatti Chiron. The impact of this joint ownership is still unfolding, but it is expected to have a number of benefits for Bugatti.
First, the partnership with Rimac will give Bugatti access to Rimac’s expertise in electric vehicles. This will be essential for Bugatti as it transitions to electric power. Second, the partnership with Porsche will give Bugatti access to Porsche’s financial resources and marketing expertise. This will help Bugatti reach a wider audience and compete with other luxury hypercar manufacturers.