After going into bankruptcy protection, Bertone may very well be in the worst shape it's ever been in its 96-year history. But that doesn't mean there aren't enough companies out there interested in acquiring the famous carrozzeria's assets, including its venerated name.

Although the process undertaken by the court-appointed commissioners remains secretive, reports suggest that several companies have contacted the administrators putting forth bids on Bertone. Among them are Chinese automaker FAW, Indian carmaker Mahindra, Italian contract manufacturer DR Motor, German engineering firm PCL Group and, perhaps most intriguingly, Giorgetto Giugiaro's rival atelier Italdesign. The reported list of the bidders may very well change as the courts seek a suitable buyer for Bertone, but the prospects are looking good for the famous design studio and its anxious 1,300-strong workforce.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

Potential buyers line up for Bertone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.