Porsche reportedly in advanced talks to acquire RUF Automobile after Singer said no

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Porsche is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire RUF Automobile.

The report says Singer previously rejected Porsche’s takeover approach.

RUF’s manufacturer status makes it much more than a typical tuner.

If Porsche wants to become a more focused, higher-margin sports car maker, it may be looking to bring one of its most famous unofficial alter egos into the family. A new report from Germany’s WirtschaftsWoche’s, citing inside sources, claims Porsche is in advanced talks to buy RUF Automobile, the tiny but legendary German firm best known for turning Porsche hardware into something altogether more unhinged.

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We reached out to Porsche, which declined to comment, so for now this remains a report rather than an announcement.

The 80-person company might be casually called a Porsche tuner, but that doesn’t quite cover it. RUF identifies itself as a family-owned automaker. Its cars have long carried their own manufacturer identity rather than simply being modified Porsches. Its greatest hit is the CTR “Yellowbird,” a wild twin-turbo creation that became an all-time hero car thanks to undeniable performance.

Read: Explore The History Of Ruf Automobile With This Epic 30-Minute Film

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According to WirtschaftsWoche’s unnamed sources, Porsche initially wanted to buy Singer. The report says the California-based Porsche specialist rebuffed that approach, prompting CEO Michael Leiters to turn toward RUF and owner Alois Ruf. Sources say Ruf is willing to sell and that a deal could be close. On paper, all of this makes a great deal of sense.

Mercedes absorbed AMG , and BMW acquired Alpina. Porsche buying RUF would follow the same basic logic. Essentially, take a trusted independent known for making your cars more exclusive, then turn that credibility into an in-house luxury and performance weapon.

Still, RUF’s value isn’t production capacity. Clearly, it’s a small company and builds very few cars each year compared to Porsche. RUF’s appeal is its independence, its engineering personality, and the fact that it has spent decades making Porsche-shaped cars that Porsche itself never quite dared to build. If Porsche does acquire it, the move would come with a lot more support and capital than RUF has ever had. Until either company confirms a transaction, this remains an intriguing rumor.

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Photos: RUF