Branding Issues On A Large Scale

Fiat considering Opel designs for Chrysler as purchase date draws near
From Motor Authority by Alex Kaufmann 5/14/2009

The future of General Motors’ European division Opel will soon be a lot clearer as a buyer for the brand will be announced by the end of this month. That information comes from GM CEO Fritz Henderson, who confirmed that there were multiple bidders interested in Opel and that the final decision on the new owner would be made by GM and not the German government. Now German government officials are confirming that initial plans on financing the buyout will be heard by May 20.

Henderson also wasn’t willing to mention any names of the potential buyers either but already Fiat has confirmed that it is seeking a three-way merger with Chrysler and GM’s European operations, namely Opel and Saab.

Reports emerged last week claiming Magna, together with Russia's GAZ Group, was considering taking a 50% share in Opel. Under the alleged plan, Magna would purchase about 20% of Opel and GAZ would possibly combine with Russian banks to pick up another 30%. Fiat, meanwhile, wants a three-way merger with Chrysler and GM's European operations.

May 14 (Bloomberg) -- The combination of Fiat SpA and Chrysler LLC, two of the world’s largest car companies, presents no antitrust issues and will get early clearance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, an agency official said today.

Confused? We are! Aren't there talks with Fiat and Chrysler too? Stay tuned!