Ford to sell Mazda shares to insurers?
While GM is being swamped with the persistent rumors surrounding the addition/dissolution of Chrysler, Ford's rumor mill has been heading in the complete opposite direction. It appears Volvo is on the way out of Dearborn, but Mazda may be sneaking through the exit first. Recent reports since disputed by Mazda have Ford selling off a portion of its 33.4% stake in the Japanese automaker, which means the Blue Oval would lose majority ownership status. The Nikkei daily in Japan has been all over the Ford/Mazda story, and the latest news involves selling 20% of Mazda to 20 Japanese firms including some insurance companies, leaving Ford with a stake of around 13%. Ford is allegedly unwilling to sell the shares to its competition, so splitting the Mazda shares in 20 small chunks makes picking up all the shares difficult. Besides five insurance companies, parts maker Denso, steel companies, and trading companies are also rumored to be taking part in the purchase. The price of 1% Mazda ownership is in the neighborhood of $40 million, and the total sale could approach $1 billion. Japanese media is reporting that any deal could be announced next month, and neither Mazda or Ford are saying a word at this point.
[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Retroqqq 8:26AM (10/18/2008)
how can i buy some shares ?
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Mobius_1 8:53AM (10/18/2008)
Just buy Ford, it's cheaper that way :)
Retroqqq 3:29PM (10/18/2008)
i want Mazdas shares , its obvious that it will be a good investment rather than buying Ford stock .
Mobius_1 8:28AM (10/18/2008)
I hope Ford has this planned out since this move would probably lead to less tech from Mazda for use on Ford group cars, and Ford, well, do need more competitive vehicles, not just cash.
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Jeff 9:08AM (10/18/2008)
How does this bode for the future management of Mazda? Its like "yeah, we need cash, but if we sell you to some equally (and likely far more) capable than we are, you'll probably do even better... no, we'd rather split our interest in as many directions as possible, we're sure you can't possibly do well that way"
I MEAN REALLY? Perhaps some of the shareholders that come to the table with be dynamic and really help Mazda..... for me, they're just a push away (in a very few areas of refinement, reliability) from being the most dynamic and forward thinking japanese automaker in the US....
Ford is acting like a red headed brat. I mean, hello.... once this is over, they will have dispensed the entire "Ford Motor 'international' Family" just to stay afloat..
If they're in a "last ditch effort" mood, why not translate that desperation into the design studio?
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wonkydonkydotnet 3:18PM (10/18/2008)
If any big concern is serious enough, they wait until Ford does its little shell game, and then they just throw a Tender Offer out on the market until their Bid quantity is filled.
->Ford subverted; -just at a slightly higher cost.
Sid 9:17AM (10/18/2008)
They spend more time getting rid of other companies than getting rid of the crap in their own stable.
"Hey let's get rid of the one company whose platforms will underpin most of our future products to focus on releasing teaser shots of the yet another Mustang because V8 coupes with live-axles are the future.
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Avinash machado 11:05AM (10/18/2008)
There was a report a few days back that Tata might buy some shares in Mazda from Ford.
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Rene Curry 12:13PM (10/18/2008)
Why can't they create combined dealerships.
* Ford-Mazda
* Lincoln-Mercury-Volvo
This would give an increased footprint for Volvo & Mazda. It gives dealers more sales opportunities to draw people into the dealership to cross-shop that would not have not normally visited a Ford or Mercury dealership. This also should reduce the need to reduce the number of dealerships in a shrinking market.
This option sounds better than selling your assets in a depressed market.
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Crackberry Addict 12:55PM (10/18/2008)
The issue is that volvo sales would tank even further! because shoppers would realize what a rip of the S80 is compared to the MKS!
Westside T.O. 2:31PM (10/18/2008)
And anyone who will spend a decent amount of time driving will buy a 3 over the Focus, 6 over the Fusion, CX-9 over the Flex, CX-7 over the Edge, MX-5 over the *NOTHING*, etc....
billybob T 1:57PM (10/18/2008)
Ford gone in 3 years:
PSA/Peugeot-Citroen-Ford
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jgp 9:53PM (10/18/2008)
Hmm...PSA buying Ford sounds like a pretty good idea.
*drools at the idea of PSA returning to the US*
falcodore 3:31AM (10/19/2008)
Mazda are the only profitable company in Ford's stable so selling mazda shares to make some quick cash would be stupid IMO, just like not giving americans the aussie falcon.
F#cked
Or
Retarded
Directors
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RockStoneSteel 2:22PM (10/19/2008)
I don't think Ford should be referred to as having the "majority ownership status" as it does not own a majority (i.e. 51%) of the stock. It could possibly be referred to as the single largest shareholder, if in fact, it does own a greater percentage of stock than any other single shareholder.
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Anthony 1:56PM (10/20/2008)
Looking at the share market I hope that one should go for the vehicles rather than shares.
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mikes 8:29PM (10/20/2008)
ouch.. I think this would hurt Mazda long-term, and I agree that Ford is acting like a brat. As much as I like Mazda, I have to admit that much of their current success is owed to Ford (although Ford limits them in certain ways as well).
Both companies share a lot of tech, and itd be hard for a small company like Mazda to make up what they would be losing.
Mazda would be a nice asset to toyota, honda, or nissan. I guess Ford is trying to avoid this kind of fate.
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Jeffrey W. Bowyer 9:01AM (11/18/2008)
Ford buys shares in Mazda; Ford sells shares in Mazda.
BMW bought British automaker Rover; BMW sold British automaker Rover.
Daimler-Benz bought Chrysler; Daimler-Benz sold Chrysler.
Wake up, people. Hello! Hello! Do you see a pattern here?
WHY WOULD SUPPOSEDLY INTELLIGENT EXECUTIVES MAKE SUCH DUMB ACQUISITIONS ONLY TO SELL THEM A FEW YEARS LATER?
(Answer: Because they were just following orders)
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