Audi plans to announce the acquisition of Ducati next week, having completed a due diligence assessment of the Italian motorcycle maker, so claim Autonews.com.
Volkswagen, Audi and Investindustrial declined to comment.
A successful deal would fuel Audi's long-standing rivalry with BMW and add expertise in high-revving light engines to VW's engineering portfolio, which ranges from cars and heavy trucks to ship engines.
Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera also reported on Wednesday that a deal between Ducati and Audi was expected to be signed next week, citing no sources.
Audi have the right to negotiate exclusively until April 15, after which Investindustrial is free to talk to other potential buyers.
