THE chief executive of Aston Martin, Ulrich Bez, is understood to be planning a management buyout of the British sports-car marque.

Aston Martin was put on the market last week by Ford, the American automotive giant. Senior sources at Ford said a consortium led by Bez was likely to bid, and they also expected an offer from a US private-equity group fronted by Jac Nasser, a former Ford chief executive.

Analysts also believe a wild-card bid, perhaps from a Russian oligarch eager to capture a trophy asset, cannot be ruled out. Ford has hired UBS, the investment bank, to conduct the sale.

Bez yesterday refused to confirm his interest in fronting a bid. “I am not going to comment at the moment on what are the strategic options,” he said.

But he added that he expected to have a continuing role in the company. “I and the other managers have done a good job. It would be a right and logical thing that someone who comes in as a main shareholder goes on and works with the management. This (the Ford announcement) is not something that has been decided over our heads but something that has been decided in conjunction with us,” he told The Sunday Times.

Ford’s financial problems have led to speculation it may sell one or more of its three British brands — Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. That speculation mounted after the appointment of banker Kenneth Leet as adviser to chairman Bill Ford Jnr.

Ford’s statement last week hinted the company might hang on to Jaguar and Land Rover. It noted the progress being made by the marques. But senior Ford sources stressed no decision had been made. Aston Martin is the smallest of the three brands, and regarded as easiest to separate from the group.

Reports have suggested Ford hopes to get £1 billion for the Warwickshire firm, but analysts think the figure too high.

Times Recommends

• Lies and cover-up at MG Rover exposed by report
• High oil prices push manufacturing costs up
• Primark founder steps down as chief executive