motor

ae86_16v · 03-08-2007, 04:33 PM

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/08/a...der-in-the-le/

Coming out of Geneva along with the exodus of automotive journalists are reports that a sale of Aston Martin is imminent, and that the likely winning bid has come from a consortium headed by Prodrive founder David Richards. The expected bid is rumored to be around $965,800,000 (£500,000), or about half of what Ford Motor Co. was hoping to get for its most premium of brands. Ford is expected to retain an interest in Aston Martin since it's still the brand's number one supplier of parts, and current chief Ulrich Benz, who himself submitted a bid to own the brand he runs, should remain in his position for the time being.

Despite the lower than hoped for selling price, Ford is reportedly pleased to have found a new owner with experience in the auto biz and an already-established connection to the Aston Martin brand. Prodrive runs Aston Martin's racing team and has been connected with the automaker in one way or another for many years, so the purchase indeed seems like a good fit. We'll let you know when word comes that the sale is final, which is expected before the end of the week.

[Source: Daily Telegraph via GMInsideNews]

TopGearNL · 03-08-2007, 04:48 PM

Yeah with Prodrive already running their racing team it sure sounds like a great deal! I also like the fact that Ford keeps an eye on AM, always nice to have connections..

yg60m · 03-08-2007, 05:39 PM

I think it was a good option, maybe one of the best. We will see, I just hope it won't finish like TWR ...

Z3uS · 03-08-2007, 06:15 PM

Best option amog those who were on the line.

blue8 · 03-08-2007, 06:40 PM

Definitely much better than LV

HeilSvenska · 03-08-2007, 07:02 PM

Hopefully, this story sticks as the sale has not been officially confirmed.

graywolf624 · 03-08-2007, 07:14 PM

I read this was an option on the table last week (in cnn no less)
I think it will occur.

Pokiou · 03-08-2007, 07:41 PM

So now that mean aston is going to be even better ???

i so want one .. and a lotus

Pok

HeilSvenska · 03-08-2007, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by Pokiou

So now that mean aston is going to be even better ???

i so want one .. and a lotus

I want Aston AND Lotus.

Z3uS · 03-08-2007, 09:54 PM

Give me a V8 Vantage tuned by ProDrive

5vz-fe · 03-08-2007, 10:42 PM

yay, it can only do better right....?

number77 · 03-08-2007, 10:53 PM

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?p...d=aFaIr6g0acig

Erez · 03-09-2007, 08:08 AM

8) GREAT NEWS!! 8)

MidEngine4Life · 03-09-2007, 08:14 AM

Maybe now the P2 will come out with a reworked grille and an Aston badge

ae86_16v · 03-12-2007, 03:54 AM

Originally Posted by AutoBlog

The ongoing saga that is Ford's sale of Aston Martin may finally come to a resolution later today. According to a variety of reports from Detroit, New York and abroad, David Richards, the chairman and founder of Prodrive, will likely be the new owner, with the financial backing of the Kuwaiti firms Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co.

The ceremonial signing will take place at 9:00 AM GMT today, with one source from Kuwait saying that, "The deal has been approved. Monday is just for public relations."

The sale of Aston Martin is reportedly going to cost the new investors somewhere in the neighborhood of $868-870 million, although Ford will still retain a 15 percent stake in the luxury automaker.

We'll have more information as it becomes available, but be sure to read the articles linked below for the full story.

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/12/k...-sale-expecte/