The Audi AG interim financial report for 2012 reveals some interesting details about the purchase of Ducati. Apparently Ducati was purchased by Audi's Lamborghini subsidiary which keeps it under Italian ownership (if only symbolic) and gives Lamborghini an advantage in fleet wide emissions. The purchase price was a much lower $980 million than what was originally reported. I would say the purchase looks like a good strategic move by the Germans.
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/lamborghini-owns-ducati/
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/lamborghini-owns-ducati/