GM Agrees to Sell Saab…Finally

26th January 2010

In what has been an ongoing saga worthy of Charlton Heston epic, GM has finally decided that selling Saab for something is better than spending millions to shut it down. Apparently, the GM Board consulted with its economic advisors, who told them, “Getting money is better than spending it.” According to an insider, the board has formed a blue-ribbon committee to find out if this principle can be applied to other parts of the business.

The Swedish government has reviewed the transaction and the related request for guarantees of a Saab Automobile loan that has been requested from the European Investment Bank, and has apparently approved it. Assuming quick action, the transaction is expected to close in mid-February, and previously announced wind down activities at Saab will be immediately suspended, pending the close of the transaction.

Saab's Upcoming 9-4x

As part of the agreement, Spyker intends to form a new company, Saab Spyker Automobiles, which will carry the Saab brand forward. The sale will be subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory, governmental and court approvals. Other terms and conditions specific to the sale will be disclosed in due time.

As part of the deal, GM will get $74 million cash, $326 million of preferred stock, plus some other consideration that GM refused to identify. GM will also continue to provide powertrains, the upcoming 9-4x finished vehicles and engineering services on an ongoing basis. GM will continue to honor warranties until Saab Spyker sets up organizations in markets around the world. No word yet on whether the present plan to close down some of the Saab dealers will proceed under Saab Spyker.