It is the end of a long run with the Italian investment fund Investindustrial in the front line to buy part of Aston Martin.
The long negotiation battle that Mahindra&Mahindra had on one side and Investindustrial on the other comes to an end with the latter guaranteeing the purchase of 37.5% of the shares held by Investment Dar. which will continue to be the main shareholder of the brand. This deal represents a £150 million capital increase and the deal thus raises Aston Martin's value to £780 million.
So far, the possibility of a partnership with Daimler AG Mercedes is nothing but a rumor that has circulated online, with the responsible of the brand denying its existence. The purchase of Investment Dar shares. it is a turnaround in the position of the shareholder, who had already declared not to be available to reduce the number of shares he owned.
Aston Martin is not going through an easy period, after a 19% drop in sales compared to 2011. The need for a capital increase comes at a time when brand managers say it is necessary to prepare a serious investment in the development of its products.
Investindustrial is not a newcomer to these businesses, we recall that in 2006 it bought Ducati and that it sold it to Audi in April this year for 860 million euros.
Text: Diogo Teixeira
Source: Reuters