GM and Koenigsegg sign 100 percent stock purchase agreement for Saab

2010 Saab 9-3X

Deal to be completed by the end of the year

By Michael Gauthier
August 18, 2009 3:15 PM
Filed Under: American, Corporate/Financial, European, General Motors, Industry, Koenigsegg, Saab

GM has announced they have signed a stock purchase agreement with Koenigsegg Group AB, for 100% of Saab Automobile AB.

The agreement is contingent on several pre-negotiated conditions, including Swedish government support (funding) and transitional assistance from GM. GM and Saab will also continue to share technology, under a variety of license and service agreements, for "a defined time period."

According to GM's European President, Carl-Peter Forster, "This contract is an important step in the journey to a potential deal." He added that, "Saab's great cars, its unique design, safety- and engine-technology, as well as its excellent brand image, combined with Koenigsegg Group's unique combination of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, bode well for a successful future for the brand. We will continue to work with all parties to define the final details and ensure a fast closure of the deal, which we expect to take place in the next few months. The closure of the deal is contingent on the funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB), guaranteed by the Swedish government."

Christian von Koenigsegg echoed Forster's comments by saying, "We have now concluded another important step in realizing the great potential of Saab. Our plan is to transform Saab into a stand-alone vibrant entrepreneurial company and make it ‘sustainable' by making it profitable. We will revive Saab's Swedish heritage of ecological sensitivity, safety, design innovation and ‘fun to drive' experience!"

Jan Åke Jonssson, Managing Director of Saab, said: "This is excellent news for everyone connected to Saab around the globe. This is an important step to secure jobs and our long-term future as a Swedish carmaker. In the short-term, it will enable us to move forward with exciting new cars starting this month with the all new Saab 9-3X."

With Saab scheduled to exit reorganization shortly, both companies expect the deal to be completed by the end of the year.

 

Source: GM

Press Release (Click to expand)

General Motors and Koenigsegg Group Sign Stock Purchase Agreement for the Sale of Saab Automobile AB

  • The deal is expected to close by year's end and will secure Saab's future
  • The closing will be subject to funding agreements and other closing conditions
  • Saab Automobile plans to exit reorganization shortly

Zurich. General Motors Co. today confirmed it has signed a stock purchase agreement with Koenigsegg Group AB regarding the sale of 100% of the shares of Saab Automobile AB. The deal is expected to conclude in the next months and will then secure Saab's future. Saab Automobile plans to exit legal reorganization shortly.

The stock purchase agreement will be subject to agreed closing conditions. Conditions to close the sale include expected funding commitments with Swedish government support and guarantees, as well as transitional assistance from GM, as Saab becomes independent. Saab is about to launch several new cars, developed with General Motors, that are in the final stages of development.

As part of the proposed transaction, GM and Saab will continue to share technology and services during a defined time period. This will be managed through licenses and service agreements.

"This contract is an important step in the journey to a potential deal, said Carl-Peter Forster, president of GM Europe. "Saab's great cars, its unique design, safety- and engine-technology, as well as its excellent brand image, combined with Koenigsegg Group's unique combination of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, bode well for a successful future for the brand. We will continue to work with all parties to define the final details and ensure a fast closure of the deal, which we expect to take place in the next few months. The closure of the deal is contingent on the funding commitment from the European Investment Bank (EIB), guaranteed by the Swedish government," Forster added.

"We have now concluded another important step in realizing the great potential of Saab," said Christian von Koenigsegg, CEO of Koenigsegg Group. "Our plan is to transform Saab into a stand-alone vibrant entrepreneurial company and make it ‘sustainable' by making it profitable. We will revive Saab's Swedish heritage of ecological sensitivity, safety, design innovation and ‘fun to drive' experience!"

Jan Åke Jonssson, Managing Director of Saab, said: "This is excellent news for everyone connected to Saab around the globe. This is an important step to secure jobs and our long-term future as a Swedish carmaker. In the short-term, it will enable us to move forward with exciting new cars starting this month with the all new Saab 9-3X."

 

Tags: GM

Comments

Bristol411S3
August 18, 2009 3:56 PM
I hope I'm wrong, but this feels like it will all end in tears. It just has the smell of the MG Rover debacle at about the point BMW offloaded the company to the Phoenix Four.

What are the odds on SAAB and Koenigsegg still being around in 5 years?

sub39h
August 19, 2009 12:56 AM
don't know if i agree with that. SAAB has always had the potential to be Sweden's Audi, but GM's poor business choices and neglect of the European markets has meant that they've been stuck with 25 year old chassis and lacklustre engines.

i think Koenigsegg has recognised the potential SAAB has, and will use it to provide decent cash flow whilst it's "struggling" to sell its cars (although i would like to point out that those who could afford a Koenigsegg before the economic downturn can still afford one now - they aren't exactly cheap to own!)

BENZian
August 18, 2009 4:20 PM
i rather lose Saab than Koenigseg

ivanadrive
August 18, 2009 4:58 PM
Because you have a Koenigsegg or because it's on your shopping list? Or perhaps because you like seeing them on the street and it's a popular choice in your neighbourhood?

xLumino
August 18, 2009 4:48 PM
I agree with Forsters view. Good luck Saab!

Razz
August 19, 2009 5:10 PM
In my opinion, Saab is quite expensive for the package you receive. I was looking yesterday on their pricelist for the cars, and the 9.3 Cabrio 1.8 Linear in Italy is about 36 000 EUR in standard configuration, if you add some optionals the price will rise easily.

So, for being with one step ahead of competition, they really have to lower the prices or maintan them with some extra optionals included.

I would also put aside the bumper design of the cars, with all that christmas tree chrome.

Koenigsegg with SAAB will rise, i don't see the MG Rover situation for them, you can't compare a Supercar Swedish Brand with some chinese no-name buyers !

radmeister
August 19, 2009 7:05 PM
Koenigsegg is a smart man, look at what he has accomplished with Koenigsegg. Saab has the potential, they just needed the creative and engineering freedom that GM would not give them, they just needed more packaging for their crappy parts. This is not what will happen this time. In 10 years we will see the rebirth of the real SAAB spirit, and i may buy another 1.

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