Mate Rimac has confirmed he’s in discussions with Porsche to acquire its 45% stake in Bugatti Rimac, the joint venture formed in 2021 that combined Rimac Automobili’s electric technology expertise with Bugatti’s century-old heritage. Rimac currently holds 55% and serves as CEO of both Rimac Group and Bugatti Rimac.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Rimac said the talks are “no secret” and that his goal is to streamline decision-making and secure full creative control. “It’s about being able to make long-term decisions faster,” he noted, adding that negotiations could conclude by 2026. Reports suggest a €1 billion ($1.1 billion) offer is on the table, potentially funded by private investors and strategic partners.
The move would mark the end of Porsche’s formal involvement in Bugatti’s management while cementing Rimac as one of the most influential figures in high-performance EVs.
A New Vision for Two Iconic Brands
Under Rimac’s leadership, Bugatti has already pivoted toward hybridization, moving away from pure internal combustion without losing its identity. In a recent interview, Rimac emphasized that Bugatti’s future lies in preserving the “art of driving,” even as automation becomes unavoidable. He envisions Bugatti as a brand that continues to build mechanical masterpieces, only enhanced by electrification, not defined by it.
The proposed buyout would give him more freedom to execute that vision. Without Porsche’s oversight, Bugatti could evolve faster, adopting innovations from Rimac’s engineering division, including its next-generation solid-state battery systems and e-axles unveiled this fall. The Croatian company is positioning itself as not just a hypercar builder but a global supplier of high-performance EV components.
From Rivalries to Records
Rimac’s timing is strategic. Although the Rimac Nevera R recently lost its 0–249–0 mph acceleration world record to Koenigsegg, the company remains a technological benchmark. The Nevera’s performance and engineering pedigree have elevated Rimac’s profile, enabling it to negotiate from a position of strength.
By taking full ownership of Bugatti, Rimac could leverage both brands’ strengths, Bugatti’s luxury craftsmanship and Rimac’s cutting-edge electric tech, to create a new class of hypercars that blend tradition with innovation.
Why It Matters
If the deal goes through, Bugatti Rimac would become the first major European hypercar group led entirely by a founder who built his company from the ground up in the EV age. For Porsche, the sale would streamline its own focus on electric development within the Volkswagen Group.
For Rimac, it would mark the ultimate validation, turning a once tiny Croatian startup into the full owner of one of the world’s most storied performance marques. The next era of Bugatti could therefore be shaped not in Molsheim or Stuttgart, but in Zagreb.
