Koenigsegg's bid for Saab in trouble?
Koenigsegg CCX meets Saab Aero X concept – Click above for high-res image gallery
Reports from Sweden indicate there may be a rough road ahead for Koenigsegg as the niche supercar maker works to complete its deal to purchase bankrupt automaker Saab. Last Friday, Swedish newspaper Goteborgs-Posten reported that one key investor was considering pulling out of the deal. Later, Joran Hagglund, state secretary for Sweden's industry ministry, confirmed his office had heard these rumors and was "chasing" Koenigsegg for an update.
It would seem that Koenigsegg, Saab and the Swedish government are now in full damage-control-mode. Halldora von Koenigsegg, the company's spokesperson and wife of founder Christian von Koenigsegg, said in response to the rumors, "Ownership questions are detailed information that I don't have the possibility to comment on today. What I can say is that our negotiations with GM are proceeding according to plan."
Saab spokeswoman Gunilla Gustavs echoed that statement, saying, "Everything's proceeding, we're still looking to be done by the end of the third quarter." Much ado about nothing or a sign of trouble ahead?
[Source: Wall Street Journal - Sub. Req'd]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dustin 2:37PM (8/10/2009)
Maybe the investors are worried their company cars might become Saabs...
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Throwback 3:56PM (8/10/2009)
Ouch!
JH29 2:40PM (8/10/2009)
NO! We NEED an 800bhp Saab
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TigerMil 3:08PM (8/10/2009)
BTDT several years ago...Pikes Peak car IIRC.
Still a less expensive way to go than a Koenigsegg/Saab.
PGAero 3:05PM (8/10/2009)
It'll be interesting to see if there's anything to this.
Personally, I'd like to see the sale go forward with as few hiccups as possible.
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TigerMil 3:07PM (8/10/2009)
Listen to the lady. Negotiations with GM are going according to plan...it's the Swedish government that may not go along with it. Alternatively, the 'other investor' than Koenigsegg may be having cold feet...
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MixiM 4:24PM (8/11/2009)
And Halldora is a pretty hot girl to =)
https://hd.se/multimedia/dynamic/00335/CHT_Koenigsegg_122_335145d.jpg
Scenario 3:14PM (8/10/2009)
And that's bad because...?
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AirRaid 3:17PM (8/10/2009)
In response to Dustin, stupid commenting system.
AirRaid 3:18PM (8/10/2009)
Hey! I got my name back. :)
Alex 3:25PM (8/10/2009)
Could be an investor pulling a stunt in an effort to get something he wants, board placements, greater interests, decision making abilities, etc.
Hopefully they work out the problem. I would love to see the fruits of a Koenigsegg owned Saab.
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P.V. 6:32PM (8/10/2009)
NOOOOO! I hope it's not Koenigsegg pulling out, because I was REALLY looking forward to the fruits of the acquisition! I want SAAB to get it's character back, mommy!
Koenigsegg-SAAB CCXR Aero + SAAB 9-5 CR FTW!
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