A Fiat e a Chrysler acabam de confirmar uma fusão. Detalhes sobre o negócio foram colocados em um press-release lançado pelas duas. A Fiat será dona de 35% da Chrysler, de início, e poderá aumentar essa fatia para 55% futuramente.
Os termos do negócio não exigem que a Fiat pague quaisquer quantias de imediato. Pelo contrário, ela ganhará uma parte da Chrysler por investir na renovação do maquinário da Chrysler, em uma fábrica que será usada também para produzir modelos da Fiat para o mercado americano.
A Chrysler então terá acesso a toda a plataforma de modelos compactos e econômicos da Fiat, junto com outros componentes.
Os 35% da Fiat na Chrysler serão alcançados apenas no meio do ano.
Pode ser que então a Fiat volte a vender seus modelos nos EUA, ou a Chrysler os venda com a sua logomarca.
Veja o press-release:
Fiat Group, Chrysler and Cerberus Announce Plans for a Global Strategic Alliance
Fiat S.p.A., Chrysler LLC (Chrysler) and Cerberus Capital Management L.P., the private investment majority owner of Chrysler LLC, announced today they have signed a non-binding term sheet to establish a global strategic alliance.The alliance, to be a key element of Chrysler’s viability plan, would provide Chrysler with access to competitive, fuel-efficient vehicle platforms, powertrain, and components to be produced at Chrysler manufacturing sites. Fiat would also provide distribution capabilities in key growth markets, as well as substantial cost savings opportunities. In addition, Fiat would provide management services supporting Chrysler’s submission of a viability plan to the U.S. Treasury as required. Fiat has been very successful in executing its own restructuring over the past several years. The alliance would also allow Fiat Group and Chrysler to take advantage of each other’s distribution networks and to optimize fully their respective manufacturing footprint and global supplier base.
The proposed alliance would be consistent with the terms and conditions of the U.S. Treasury financing to Chrysler. Per the U.S. Treasury loan agreement, each constituent will be asked to contribute to Chrysler’s restructuring effort including: lenders, employees, the UAW, dealers, suppliers and Chrysler Financial. Such steps would greatly contribute to Chrysler’s long term viability plan. Completion of the alliance is subject to due diligence and regulatory approvals, including the U.S. Treasury.
“This initiative represents a key milestone in the rapidly changing landscape of the automotive sector and confirms Fiat and Chrysler commitment and determination to continue to play a significant role in this global process. The agreement will offer both companies opportunities to gain access to most relevant automotive markets with innovative and environmentally friendly product offering, a field in which Fiat is a recognized world leader while benefitting from additional cost synergies. The deal follows a number of targeted alliances and partnerships signed by the Fiat Group with leading carmakers and automotive suppliers over the last five years aimed at supporting the growth and volume aspirations of the partners involved,” the CEO of Fiat Group, Sergio Marchionne said.
“This is great news for the UAW Chrysler team and we look forward to supporting and working with them to ensure Chrysler’s long term viability,” said Ron Gettelfinger, President United Auto Workers (UAW).
“We’re on board with this important strategic initiative as it will help preserve the long-term viability of our great company, its brands and of course UAW-Chrysler jobs,” said General Holiefield, Vice President, United Auto Workers (UAW).