Does Bmw Own Rolls Royce

Ramnath Goenka

less than a minute read

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16-07-2025

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The short answer is: no, BMW no longer owns Rolls-Royce. While BMW held ownership of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars brand for over two decades, that ownership ended in 2003.

The History of BMW and Rolls-Royce

The relationship between BMW and Rolls-Royce is a complex one rooted in the late 20th century. In 1998, BMW acquired the rights to produce Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from Vickers plc. This was a significant acquisition, bringing a prestigious and historically significant luxury car brand under BMW's umbrella. However, this acquisition only covered the car manufacturing business. The rights to the Rolls-Royce name itself, used for aero-engine manufacturing, remained with Rolls-Royce plc.

This created a unique situation. While BMW could produce and sell Rolls-Royce cars, they couldn't use the iconic Rolls-Royce logo on them. This legally complex scenario led to a significant transition.

The Split: A New Dawn for Rolls-Royce

In 2003, BMW and Rolls-Royce plc agreed to separate the automotive and aerospace branches entirely. Rolls-Royce plc sold its stake in the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars division to BMW. Crucially, BMW also purchased the rights to use the Rolls-Royce name and logo on its luxury cars, finally securing complete ownership of the automotive side.

However, it's important to note this wasn't a simple sale and transfer. BMW's agreement with Rolls-Royce plc ensured a smooth transition, enabling the car manufacturing to operate under the Rolls-Royce brand without infringement. This meant that BMW gained full control and could finally fully integrate the brand under their corporate structure. The partnership effectively ended in a mutually beneficial agreement where both entities retained their respective rights and future development avenues.

Present Day

Today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a wholly owned subsidiary of BMW Group, completely independent of Rolls-Royce plc. It continues to produce and sell some of the world’s most luxurious cars, now entirely under BMW's control and branding. This illustrates a fascinating case study in brand acquisition, legal complexities, and ultimately a successful long-term business outcome for both entities.