Rumour: Mercedes-Benz contemplating Aston Martin buyout

Aditya · 18th March 2014, 14:42

If media reports are anything to go by, German auto major, Mercedes-Benz could be contemplating a complete buyout of Aston Martin. While Dieter Zetsche, the Chairman of Mercedes did what he could to play down the rumour, he did not deny a possibility of the development.

Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz inked a deal in 2013, which stated that Mercedes-AMG will develop V8 engines for the British manufacturer's next generation of luxury GTs. In return Mercedes would acquire 5% non-voting shares in Aston Martin.

Aston Martin was sold by Ford in 2007 and has struggled ever since as it did not have the backing of any major player. The deal with Mercedes will help the company immensely as it would gain a major engine supplier and electronic and electrical architectures developed by the German company. A complete takeover by Mercedes will help Aston Martin expand its business as it could access markets that its parent company has presence in. It would also help the British company expand its model range.

Mercedes has made it clear that it will be interested in supporting Aston Martin further. Zetsche declared, "This is a fantastic brand and we are willing to support its further development."

However, a takeover might not be an easy process. Investindustrial, which owns a 37.5% stake in the company, will have a say in the proceedings. Investindustrial acquired this stake in Aston Martin last year for GBP 150 million.

Link to Team-BHP News Article

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Rumour: Mercedes-Benz contemplating Aston Martin buyout-astonmartinhoodemblemlogo.jpg

Source: Autocar

HyperRetard · 19th March 2014, 13:19

This makes no sense.
The Mercedes already have AMG division, and the Aston Martin is essentially a dying brand.

I can see some Chinese/Indian(wasnt mahindra linked sometime back) company buy it to gain some foothold in the European market, but nothing beyond that.

volkman10 · 31st March 2014, 19:21

Reported, Aston Martin and Mercedes Holding Talks for Luxury SUV .

http://www.carscoops.com/2014/03/rep...-mercedes.html

Autolock123 · 20th August 2014, 12:41

Aston Martin is the only major luxury car brand which does not belong to a larger automotive group. The company wants to end its reliance on Ford for power trains and hence the Mercedes AMG came in. If we talk about the future, Aston Martin has aggressive plans ahead and plan to double sales by 2016 (2012 the sales were 3800 units). Having said that, to make it possible huge investments in product development are required. Considering the fact that it has not been doing great financially, in my opinion, for a company with such a rich heritage, the possibility of takeover or JV could not be ruled out.

18th March 2014, 14:42	#1
Aditya Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 17,919 Thanked: 77,415 Times View My Garage	Rumour: Mercedes-Benz contemplating Aston Martin buyout If media reports are anything to go by, German auto major, Mercedes-Benz could be contemplating a complete buyout of Aston Martin. While Dieter Zetsche, the Chairman of Mercedes did what he could to play down the rumour, he did not deny a possibility of the development. Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz inked a deal in 2013, which stated that Mercedes-AMG will develop V8 engines for the British manufacturer's next generation of luxury GTs. In return Mercedes would acquire 5% non-voting shares in Aston Martin. Aston Martin was sold by Ford in 2007 and has struggled ever since as it did not have the backing of any major player. The deal with Mercedes will help the company immensely as it would gain a major engine supplier and electronic and electrical architectures developed by the German company. A complete takeover by Mercedes will help Aston Martin expand its business as it could access markets that its parent company has presence in. It would also help the British company expand its model range. Mercedes has made it clear that it will be interested in supporting Aston Martin further. Zetsche declared, "This is a fantastic brand and we are willing to support its further development." However, a takeover might not be an easy process. Investindustrial, which owns a 37.5% stake in the company, will have a say in the proceedings. Investindustrial acquired this stake in Aston Martin last year for GBP 150 million. Link to Team-BHP News Article Source: Autocar Last edited by Aditya : 18th March 2014 at 14:49.
	(5) Thanks

19th March 2014, 13:19	#2
HyperRetard BANNED Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: New Delhi Posts: 162 Thanked: 486 Times	Re: Rumour: Mercedes-Benz contemplating Aston Martin buyout This makes no sense. The Mercedes already have AMG division, and the Aston Martin is essentially a dying brand. I can see some Chinese/Indian(wasnt mahindra linked sometime back) company buy it to gain some foothold in the European market, but nothing beyond that.
	(3) Thanks

31st March 2014, 19:21	#3
volkman10 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: -- Posts: 23,496 Thanked: 68,294 Times View My Garage	Re: Rumour: Mercedes-Benz contemplating Aston Martin buyout Reported, Aston Martin and Mercedes Holding Talks for Luxury SUV . http://www.carscoops.com/2014/03/rep...-mercedes.html
	(2) Thanks

20th August 2014, 12:41	#4
Autolock123 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Pune Posts: 112 Thanked: 77 Times	Re: Rumour: Mercedes-Benz contemplating Aston Martin buyout Aston Martin is the only major luxury car brand which does not belong to a larger automotive group. The company wants to end its reliance on Ford for power trains and hence the Mercedes AMG came in. If we talk about the future, Aston Martin has aggressive plans ahead and plan to double sales by 2016 (2012 the sales were 3800 units). Having said that, to make it possible huge investments in product development are required. Considering the fact that it has not been doing great financially, in my opinion, for a company with such a rich heritage, the possibility of takeover or JV could not be ruled out.
	(1) Thanks