* Private equity owners have no current plans for IPO
* EBITDA margin to rise to 18.5 pct in 2010-CEO
* MotoGP rider Rossi to boost licensing sales-CEO
MILAN, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Italian motorbike maker Ducati shareholders could relist its shares on the stock market in the medium-term in a move supported by its improved margins, one of its private shareholders said on Monday.
Speaking at a presentation of 2011 models, Antonio Perricone, a partner at 23 percent shareholder Italy's BS Investimenti, said Ducati has improved profitability in a weak market in which Ducati has bucked the trend.
"We are very happy. It is an investment we believe in. We believe in putting the company on the market in the medium-term. There are no plans at the moment," Perricone told Reuters on the sidelines of the presentation.
Private equity does not have to sell its stake after a five-year period, he said. "This company has enormous potential. We see how it goes with these models and Valentino" Rossi, who is becoming Ducati's MotoGP rider.
Ducati was delisted at the end of 2008. Private equity fund Investindustrial owns a majority stake, the Canadian pension fund HOPP about 7 percent, and management the rest.
The earnings margin before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation will rise to 18.5 percent this year, from 18.3 percent in 2009, more than double the 2006 level, Ducati Chairman and Chief Executive Gabriele Del Torchio said.
"At the end of the year we expect to realise sales about 6 percent more than last year and to generate an EBITDA margin of 18.5 percent, which is a record," he said.
In 2009, Ducati sales were 360 million euros, down 23 percent from 2008, a company official said.
Ducati's margins compare well with those of peers.
EBITDA margin at Harley-Davidson's
Italy's two-wheel producer Piaggio
The arrival of Valentino Rossi, arguably Italy's most recognisable sportsman, as Ducati rider for the 2011 MotoGP motorbike world championship will boost the brand's recognition and help licensing sales, the company said.
Rossi won't be directly involved in Ducati marketing but if he wins this can support the brand, Perricone said.
Rossi's impact on motorbike sales will be difficult to measure, Del Torchio said, adding there will an effect on product licensing such as Ducati spectacles and shoes.
The 2009 MotoGP champion is due to start official testing with Ducati after next weekend's Valencia race, the last of the season, a Ducati official said. (Writing by Nigel Tutt; Editing by Steve Orlofsky)