Discussion
Grant3 said:
There's also a good update/summary here -
http://skiddmark.com/2012/12/an-update-on-aston-ma...
Extracthttp://skiddmark.com/2012/12/an-update-on-aston-ma...
...Aston Martin represents a threat to its business, if it were to fall into the wrong hands (i.e. another global power house).
So the table is nearly complete, and all we’re missing is Volkswagen (and perhaps Tata). Despite the surplus of luxury brands (Porsche, Lamborghini, Bugatti) in VAG’s portfolio I’d be very surprised if they haven’t already paid a visit to Coventry...
Were they sent to, or was it their VW satnav that took them to Coventry?
Edited by Jon39 on Thursday 6th December 17:05
Bloomberg Article (which is where the FT probably got its information 
)
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-06/investind...
Private equity fund Investindustrial is near an agreement to buy an Aston Martin stake to shore up the finances of the British sports-car maker, two people familiar with the matter said.
Investindustrial, based in London, has trumped Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (MM) to invest in the Gaydon, England-based automaker, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private negotiations. A final agreement has not yet been signed, the people said.
And confirmation of the MB / AMG tie in to the deal:-
The deal would return Investindustrial to high-end vehicle manufacturing after selling Italian motorcycle maker Ducati to VW’s Audi this year for 860 million euros ($1.11 billion). While the original Mahindra bid was higher, Investindustrial’s offer includes plans to use technology and car parts from AMG, the Mercedes-Benz unit that makes sports cars, two people familiar with the talks said last week.
)http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-12-06/investind...
Private equity fund Investindustrial is near an agreement to buy an Aston Martin stake to shore up the finances of the British sports-car maker, two people familiar with the matter said.
Investindustrial, based in London, has trumped Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (MM) to invest in the Gaydon, England-based automaker, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private negotiations. A final agreement has not yet been signed, the people said.
And confirmation of the MB / AMG tie in to the deal:-
The deal would return Investindustrial to high-end vehicle manufacturing after selling Italian motorcycle maker Ducati to VW’s Audi this year for 860 million euros ($1.11 billion). While the original Mahindra bid was higher, Investindustrial’s offer includes plans to use technology and car parts from AMG, the Mercedes-Benz unit that makes sports cars, two people familiar with the talks said last week.
it's still an interesting article.RichB said:
Now I'm getting confused, who would they visit in Coventry? 
Possibly planned their trip using an out of date book.'Coventry was once the heart of the British motor industry'.
I don't think any car factories remain open now.
The car museum is quite good though.
Perhaps they went there, seeking ideas on how to design a new Golf, that is not mistaken for the previous models.
Not quite on topic, although 'Bad news?' related, but not worthy of it's own topic.
An item in today's Autocar refers to the LA Motor Show, the gist of which is;
Two US guys looked at the Vanquish and said, "Gee that's a pretty car, how old is it"?
The cheeky fellows thought it was an old classic.
An item in today's Autocar refers to the LA Motor Show, the gist of which is;
Two US guys looked at the Vanquish and said, "Gee that's a pretty car, how old is it"?
The cheeky fellows thought it was an old classic.
Jon39 said:
Not quite on topic, although 'Bad news?' related, but not worthy of it's own topic.
An item in today's Autocar refers to the LA Motor Show, the gist of which is;
Two US guys looked at the Vanquish and said, "Gee that's a pretty car, how old is it"?
The cheeky fellows thought it was an old classic.
Yes, because it really looks old, particularly next to the average Yank tank. What a ridiculous story.An item in today's Autocar refers to the LA Motor Show, the gist of which is;
Two US guys looked at the Vanquish and said, "Gee that's a pretty car, how old is it"?
The cheeky fellows thought it was an old classic.
Zod said:
Yes, because it really looks old, particularly next to the average Yank tank. What a ridiculous story.
I don't think it's a ridiculous story ....
Our cousins seem to spend a lot of time driving trucks, so what do they know about Supercars especially class cars like AM ..!
It was our Cousins in Ford that oversaw and designed the original concept, so they shouldn;t complain .....
MaverickV12 said:
....Our cousins seem to spend a lot of time driving trucks, so what do they know about Supercars especially class cars like AM
Oi! Dude that's well out of order! California is the world's largest market for high end luxury cars. Not many "Yank Tanks" around there I'm afraid. When I lived there the only guy I knew with a truck was our gardener I do too think that the story is ridiculous though!
FF
Grant3 said:
There's also a good update/summary here -
http://skiddmark.com/2012/12/an-update-on-aston-ma...
All reads pretty exciting for the future of AM to me (except the Chinese parts!) Also looks like the InvestIndustrial bid is favorite to me. http://skiddmark.com/2012/12/an-update-on-aston-ma...
I wonder if there bid is really a front for a Mercedes bid that protects deep pocket Mercedes from overpaying and maintains the necessary brand separation.......just saying....FF
FatFrank said:
MaverickV12 said:
....Our cousins seem to spend a lot of time driving trucks, so what do they know about Supercars especially class cars like AM
Oi! Dude that's well out of order! California is the world's largest market for high end luxury cars. Not many "Yank Tanks" around there I'm afraid. When I lived there the only guy I knew with a truck was our gardener I do too think that the story is ridiculous though!
FF
Pretty sure this deal is getting very close to being sorted. I will be glad when it is . If the successful bidder is to be Mercedes AMG, they surely must be the best option for ASTON MARTIN. The thought of another British company falling into the hands of the Chinese is one I don't wish to think about.
Went to buy some wellies for Molly this week. As I was picking up a pair of Hunters the assistant told me to choose another make as at least a quarter of all their returns were made by Hunter. Turns out Even Hunter now belongs to the Chinese hence the plummet in quality.
Went to buy some wellies for Molly this week. As I was picking up a pair of Hunters the assistant told me to choose another make as at least a quarter of all their returns were made by Hunter. Turns out Even Hunter now belongs to the Chinese hence the plummet in quality.
According to Reuters The investment company has signed the deal:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/12/07/us-astonm...
So, looks like MB backing For Aston, no doubt more will emerge as the day progresses.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/12/07/us-astonm...
So, looks like MB backing For Aston, no doubt more will emerge as the day progresses.
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