Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer Rimac Automobili is reportedly exploring the possibility of taking full ownership of Bugatti by acquiring Porsche’s stake in the luxury supercar brand.
According to a Bloomberg report, Mate Rimac, founder and CEO of the Bugatti Rimac holding company, hinted that discussions with Porsche were already underway.
He expressed his ambition to make independent and long-term strategic decisions for Bugatti, stating that such moves would allow the company to operate with greater flexibility and a clearer vision for the future.
The ownership structure of Bugatti Rimac is notably complex. Currently, the Bugatti and Rimac brands operate under the Bugatti Rimac joint venture, formed in 2021.
Porsche presently holds a 45 percent stake in Bugatti Rimac, while the Rimac Group controls the remaining 55 percent.
As part of the original deal that saw Volkswagen Group transfer Bugatti to the new joint venture, Porsche also increased its stake in Rimac Group to 24 percent.
Other significant shareholders in the Rimac Group include Hyundai (12 percent) and Mate Rimac himself (34 percent).
Sources cited by Bloomberg revealed that Rimac had offered at least €450 million (approximately A$ 815 million) to purchase Porsche’s share in the joint venture earlier this year.
Although Mate Rimac reportedly hopes to finalize the acquisition by 2026, it remains uncertain whether the deal will materialize.
He also indicated that the move has the support of unnamed international investors and private equity firms interested in backing the takeover.
Industry observers note that such negotiations can be complicated, especially given the involvement of the influential Porsche-Piëch family, which holds major stakes in both Volkswagen Group and Porsche AG through its holding company, Porsche SE. The Volkswagen Group, in turn, owns 75 percent of Porsche AG.
While Porsche has historically resisted offers to sell its Bugatti stake, the company’s recent financial pressures and shifting EV strategy may influence its stance.
In recent months, Porsche’s profit margins have declined, largely due to slower-than-expected electric vehicle sales.
The automaker has since revised its electrification plans, introducing new petrol-powered models alongside EVs.
This includes a new combustion SUV to accompany the all-electric Macan, as well as hybrid and petrol variants for the next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman.
If successful, Rimac’s full acquisition of Bugatti could mark a new chapter for both brands—combining Rimac’s cutting-edge electric expertise with Bugatti’s legacy of automotive excellence.