|
FORD
ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO SELL ASTON MARTIN
DEARBORN,
Mich., March, 12, 2007 Ford Motor Company
[NYSE: F] announced it has entered into a definitive
agreement to sell Aston Martin, its prestigious
sports car business, to a consortium comprised
of David Richards, John Sinders, Investment Dar
and Adeem Investment Co. This transaction is the
result of Ford's decision, as announced in August
2006, to explore strategic options for the Aston
Martin business as the company restructures its
core automotive operations and builds liquidity.
The
sale is expected to close during the second quarter
and is subject to customary closing conditions,
including applicable regulatory approvals. The
transaction values Aston Martin at £479
million ($925 million). As part of the transaction,
Ford will retain a £40 million ($77 million)
investment in Aston Martin. Other terms and conditions
specific to the sale are not being disclosed at
this time.
"The
sale of Aston Martin supports the key objectives
of the company, to restructure to operate profitably
at lower volumes and changed model mix and to
speed the development of new products," said
Alan Mulally, Ford's President and chief executive
officer. "From Aston Martin's point of view,
the sale will provide access to additional capital,
which will allow Aston Martin to continue the
growth it has experienced under Ford's stewardship.
Today's announcement is good for Ford Motor Company,
good for Aston Martin and good for the UK. We
wish Aston Martin every possible success for the
future."
The
new owner of Aston Martin is a consortium comprised
of: David Richards, founder and chairman of Prodrive,
a world-leading motorsport and automotive technology
company; John Sinders, an avid Aston Martin collector
and a backer of Aston Martin Racing; and Investment
Dar and Adeem Investment Co, international investment
companies headquartered in Kuwait.
Ford
Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader
based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes
automobiles in 200 markets across six continents.
With more than 280,000 employees and more than
100 plants worldwide, the companys core
and affiliated automotive brands include Ford,
Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and
Mazda. The company provides financial services
through Ford Motor Credit Company.
|