Bajaj must be celebrating a late Thanksgiving (we might be talking about the wrong Indians here) as the Pune-based automotive group has gobbled up some more shares of Austrian company’s stock. Strengthening the two companies’ strategic partnership, Bajaj has modestly increased its 35.67% interest in KTM, becoming a 38.08% shareholder. Also coming out of the orange brand is news that Stefan Pierer will continue on as CEO of the company through 2015, and Friedrich Roithner, formerly of DGF Cross Industries, will take on the role of Financial Director in the new year.
Bajaj’s influence in KTM has already manifested itself with the KTM 125 Duke, a small displacement single-cylinder bike targeted at young and new riders. Bajaj reportedly had a heavy hand in the bike’s design, and production of the KTM 125 Duke will take place at Bajaj’s Indian factories. Sold through KTM in the European Union, Bajaj will sell the KTM 125 Duke abroad through its own distribution channels. It’s not clear where the company’s involvement will take KTM next, but it should be interesting.
Source: Moto-Station
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