Times online
Grab an Italian masterpiece for less
Talks on the future of Opel have broken down after owner General Motors decided to ask for a further €300 million of state aid. The two bidders in the running to buy up the troubled German subsidiary are Canada’s Magna International and Italy’s Fiat
Here is an overview of the two offers currently on the table:
Magna International:
- Canadian auto parts maker Magna International and Russia’s top lender Sberbank, a state-controlled bank led by an ally of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, have offered 700 million euros (970 million dollars).
- General Motors would retain a 35-percent stake in Opel under the terms of the offer, with Sberbank holding another 35 percent, Magna 20 percent and Opel employees 10 percent.
- Opel would also build cars at the GAZ factory in Russia, owned by metals tycoon Oleg Deripaska. This would give Opel access to the Russian market without having to pay high import tariffs.
- Magna has reportedly said it will cut 2,500 jobs in Germany but close no factories and has asked for five billion euros in loan guarantees from Berlin.
Fiat:
- Italian auto giant Fiat is not offering any cash but has said it will grant Opel access to its technology and sales network. Fiat would leave GM only a 10-percent stake in the company, the Detroit News reported.
- Fiat wants to combine General Motors’ European and Latin American operations with Chrysler, in which it has secured a 20 per cent stake, to create the world’s second largest automaker after Toyota of Japan.
- Fiat has said it will cut fewer than 10,000 jobs across Europe and could reportedly be forced to close one factory in Germany.
According to reports, it has asked Germany for €3 billion in loan guarantees.
Industry sectors news at a glance. Interactive heatmap, video and podcast
Everything the Business Traveller needs to know to make a better trip
Get ready for the winter sports season, with our resort guides and snow reports
We are backing British business, what is the confidence of the nation and what businesses are succeeding?
Growing demand for energy, oil that is harder to reach and the rise of carbon dioxide emissions. We examine the energy challenge
With rail travel in Europe on the rise, we review the benefits of travelling by train
Enjoy further reading from Travel to Fashion, Business to Sport, discover more
Shortcuts to help you find sections and articles
1998
£47,955
12 months for the price of 11 and a 5% discount.
Offer ends 31/11/09
Check your free Experian credit report before applying
Car Insurance
to £60K + bonus (OTE £90k)
Lord Search & Selection
Location Flexible
PwC’s Consulting practice helps businesses of all shapes
and sizes work smarter and grow faster.
£85k
CPA
Highly Competitve
Specsavers
Whiteley, near Southampton
Moments from Battersea Park.
For sale with Winkworth
Find out about shared ownership.
See your free Experian credit report beforehand
Book now & save over £100pp.
11 cool resorts, lowest prices... Early Booking offers 15 Nov.
20% off selected Azores holidays taken in October with Sunvil Discovery
Get covered on your travels with a superb range of policies at great prices. Visit InsureandGo.com
World Class Golf, Spa and preferential Beach Club. Private estate overlooking West Coast
Villas from £275 per night inclusive of Golf
Contact our advertising team for advertising and sponsorship in Times Online, The Times and The Sunday Times, or place your advertisement.
Times Online Services: Dating | Jobs | Property Search | Used Cars | Holidays | Births, Marriages, Deaths | Subscriptions | E-paper
News International associated websites: Globrix Property Search | Milkround
Copyright 2009 Times Newspapers Ltd.
This service is provided on Times Newspapers' standard Terms and Conditions. Please read our Privacy Policy.To inquire about a licence to reproduce material from Times Online, The Times or The Sunday Times, click here.This website is published by a member of the News International Group. News International Limited, 1 Virginia St, London E98 1XY, is the holding company for the News International group and is registered in England No 81701. VAT number GB 243 8054 69.