The Italian motorcycle company Ducati has denied rumors that it is engaged in talks for possible strategic mergers of acquisitions.
The Bologna based company acted after the press reported that Ducati and Harley Davidson of the United States had sent feelers out to each other.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ducati said it had been asked by Italy's stock market watchdog Consob to either confirm or deny the rumors because they were affecting the motorcycle-maker's share prices.
"The company would like to make clear that there are currently no contacts with any parties in regards to possible accords for strategic acquisitions or mergers," the statement said.
Ducati added that it was focusing on revamping its business plan in order to further boost its activities and that the new plan would be ready by the end of the year.
Ducati is currently owned by Investindustrial Holdings, the investment fund of Carlo and Andrea Bonomi, which bought control of the company from the Texas Pacific Group (TPG) in December 2005 and returned to Italian ownership.
TPG acquired Ducati in 1996 from the Italian motorcycle company Cagiva.
Aside from producing motorcycles, Ducati also competes in the MotoGP and Superbike classes, where its riders are currently both on top of the standings.
