Lamborghini (by Audi AG / Volkswagen Group)
1998
$110M
Why
Audi AG, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, acquired Lamborghini from the Indonesian and Malaysian ownership group V'Power and Mycom Setdco for about $110 million, driven by Ferdinand Piech's recognition of the brand's potential to compete with Ferrari and Porsche.
Impact
Provided Lamborghini with the financial stability, engineering resources, and shared platform architectures needed to compete consistently with Ferrari, transforming it from a financially fragile boutique manufacturer into a globally recognized luxury brand.
Outcome
Under Volkswagen Group ownership, Lamborghini developed the Gallardo and Urus, achieving a record-breaking operating margin and, by 2025, EUR3.20 billion in annual turnover. The ownership chain from Ferruccio's original sale through Rossetti, Leimer, the Mimran brothers, Chrysler, the Indonesian-Malaysian consortium, and finally Audi is frequently cited as one of the most turbulent corporate histories of any surviving luxury automaker.