Mercedes still rumored to buy out McLaren
Most rumors in the auto industry surface and are either confirmed or quelled. But here is one that keeps on popping up and has remained unanswered for years.
McLaren teamed up with Mercerdes-Benz back in 1995, and ever since automotive and motorsport journalists alike have been speculating that the German auto giant – which currently holds 40% equity – would buy out the British racing team. However, Mercedes officials have continuously downplayed the suggestion, and no such moves have been made after 12 years of collaboration. The party line from Stuttgart continues unchanged, however McLaren CEO Martin Whitmarsh is indicating otherwise. Speaking with the International Herald-Tribune (the overseas edition of The New York Times), Whitmarsh said "I would be deeply disturbed if Mercedes had no real interest in acquiring us. I think it's a tangible demonstration of their commitment to this".
If Mercedes did opt to buy out the remaining 60% (or acquire an additional 10.1% to acquire controlling interest), it would seem like odd timing. Despite competing at the front for many seasons running now, the collaborative effort of the two outfits in Formula One hasn't yielded a championship since 1999, to say nothing of the parting of company which the two have undertaken to replace the Mercedes SLR McLaren independently.
[Source: F1-Live]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
ken_aisin 11:35AM (7/23/2008)
McLaren could have won a lot more championships if that racist Max Mosley weren't the president of FIA.
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azzo45 7:21PM (7/23/2008)
Max is a Nazi lover,not a racist... :) :) :)
JD 4:52PM (7/23/2008)
You talking about the race team only? I hope so, if McLaren Cars gets bought by MB I will cry myself to sleep tonight. Mercedes is not exactly the sports car maker McLaren is, and while it's unlikely anything can ever live up to the McLaren F1, if MB buys the car company too, then it will certainly never happen. And that would be a shame.
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azzo45 6:52PM (7/23/2008)
No, its the F1 team they would buy... I believe McLaren Cars is under a different tent. Besides Mercedes has AMG
lamboman 5:49PM (7/25/2008)
Yep, it will only be the F1 team. After all, they have just announced the END of their work with McLaren, and the fact they will split (which is a real shame, IMO. I love the SLR).
As for McLaren making a great supercar, I am not so sure. It will be great, but not F1 great.
lamboman 5:50PM (7/25/2008)
Yep, it will only be the F1 team. After all, they have just announced the END of their work with McLaren, and the fact they will split (which is a real shame, IMO. I love the SLR).
As for McLaren making a great supercar, I am not so sure. It will be great, but not F1 great.