Posted on 05/14/2007 1:55:54 AM PDT by HAL9000
Excerpt -
BREAKING NEWS: DaimlerChrysler will sell an 80.1% stake in Chrysler to private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management. Full article coming shortly.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Interesting as Cerberus also own 51% of GMAC finance. Might be the big two soon, instead of the big three! :)
American automobile corporations should merge and consolidate their brands.
Cerberus Takes Over Majority Interest in Chrysler Group and Related Financial Services Business for EUR 5.5 Billion ($7.4 billion) from DaimlerChrysler
Affiliate of Cerberus to acquire 80.1% equity interest in new company Chrysler Holding LLC; DaimlerChrysler AG to retain 19.9%Stuttgart, Germany, May 14, 2007Obligations for pensions and healthcare costs to be retained by Chrysler companies
Transaction expected to result in net cash outflow of EUR 0.5 billion for DaimlerChrysler
DaimlerChrysler’s net profit according to IFRS in 2007 to be reduced in a range of EUR 3-4 billion
Equity ratio of DaimlerChrysler’s industrial business is expected to be over 40% by the beginning of 2008
Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting to decide on change of name to Daimler AG
DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche on the realignment of DaimlerChrysler AG: "We will be the leading manufacturer of premium vehicles and a provider of premium services in every market segment we serve worldwide."
UAW President Ron Gettelfinger: "The transaction with Cerberus is in the best interests of our UAW members, the Chrysler Group and Daimler."
Cerberus Capital Management Chairman John Snow: "Cerberus believes in the inherent strength of U.S. manufacturing and of the U.S. auto industry. Most importantly, we believe in Chrysler."
The Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG (stock-exchange abbreviation DCX) has today decided, subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board, on the future concept for the Chrysler Group and the realignment of DaimlerChrysler AG. Completion of the transaction is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and Cerberus financing arrangements.
Details will be explained at a press conference in Stuttgart today at 2 p.m. Structure of the transaction
An affiliate of private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., New York, will make a capital contribution of EUR 5.5 billion ($7.4 billion) in return for an 80.1% equity interest in the future new company, Chrysler Holding LLC. DaimlerChrysler will hold a 19.9% equity interest in the new company. Chrysler Holding LLC will hold 100% each of the future Chrysler Corporation LLC, which produces and sells Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep® vehicles, and the future Chrysler Financial Services LLC, which provides financial services for these vehicles in the NAFTA region.
Of the total capital contribution of EUR 5.5 billion, EUR 3.7 billion will flow into the industrial business (Chrysler Corporation LLC) and EUR 0.8 billion will flow into the financial services business in order to strengthen the equity base of both businesses. DaimlerChrysler will receive the balance of EUR 1.0 billion. In addition, DaimlerChrysler will grant a loan of EUR 0.3 billion to Chrysler Corporation LLC.
According to the agreement, upon the closing of the transaction, DaimlerChrysler will transfer the industrial business of the Chrysler Group completely free of debt. Due to the Chrysler Group’s anticipated negative cash flow until closing in connection with its restructuring plan, the transaction will give rise to a cash outflow of EUR 1.2 billion for DaimlerChrysler. The overall net cash outflow resulting from the transaction will therefore be EUR 0.5 billion. In addition, DaimlerChrysler will have to discharge long-term liabilities of the Chrysler Group in connection with the transaction. This will result in prepayment compensation of approximately EUR 650 million, to be borne by DaimlerChrysler. The usual transaction costs will also be incurred.
The Chrysler Group’s financial obligations for pension and healthcare benefits towards its employees and the employees of the financial services business related to the Chrysler Group will be retained by the Chrysler companies. The pension plans are significantly over-funded at present.
Effects on key figures
The transaction will have the following effects on DaimlerChrysler AG:
In total, current estimates indicate that net profit according to IFRS in 2007 will be reduced by EUR 3-4 billion.Due to the deconsolidation of the Chrysler companies and the resulting reduction in the balance-sheet total, the equity ratio of DaimlerChrysler’s industrial business is expected to increase to more than 40% by the beginning of 2008.
There will be no changes relating to the bonds issued and guaranteed by DaimlerChrysler AG. In the financial services business for the Chrysler, Jeep® and Dodge brands, Cerberus will take over the financing previously provided by DaimlerChrysler AG.
The 19.9% equity interest held by DaimlerChrysler AG in the new company Chrysler Holding LLC will be included after closing at equity in the Van, Bus, Others segment.
The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2007.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of DaimlerChrysler AG and Head of the Mercedes Car Group: "We’re confident that we’ve found the solution that will create the greatest overall value – both for Daimler and Chrysler . With this transaction, we have created the right conditions for a new start for Chrysler and Daimler."
Ron Gettelfinger, President of the United Autoworkers (UAW): "The transaction with Cerberus is in the best interests of our UAW members, the Chrysler Group and Daimler. We are pleased that this decision has been made. Because our members and the management can now focus entirely on the development and manufacture of quality products for the future of the Chrysler Group."
John W. Snow, Chairman of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P.: "We welcome Chrysler into the Cerberus family of companies and believe Cerberus will be a good home for Chrysler. Cerberus believes in the inherent strength of U.S. manufacturing and of the U.S. auto industry. Most importantly, we believe in Chrysler."
Snow continued: "We would like to thank DaimlerChrysler for their good stewardship of this American icon over the last decade. We are aware that Chrysler faces significant challenges, but we are confident that they can and will be overcome. A private investment firm like Cerberus will provide management with the opportunity to focus on their long-term plans rather than the pressures of short-term earnings expectations."
Business progress
In nearly ten years as DaimlerChrysler, a lot has been done to move the businesses forward. The synergies possible between Mercedes-Benz and Chrysler have been fully utilized. Additional potential for collaboration is limited between two businesses operating in such different market segments. The strong volatility and pressure on margins in the Chrysler Group’s North American core market have an increasingly negative impact on DaimlerChrysler’s overall profitability and share-price development.
The Chrysler Group has made substantial progress in recent years. For example, production hours per vehicle have fallen from 48 hours in 2001 to just over 30 at present. Quality has improved by more than 40% over the past six years. Since 2002, more than EUR 7.4 billion ($10 billion) has been invested in new production facilities and technologies. And with 34 new models since 2001, Chrysler has one of the youngest product lines in the industry.
Zetsche: "As a result, Chrysler today is structurally more sound than its North American based competitors. And with Cerberus as a partner, Chrysler will have the best chances of utilizing its full potential."
Ongoing collaboration
Existing projects with the Mercedes Car Group will be continued, for example in the development of conventional and alternative drive systems, purchasing, and sales and financial services outside the NAFTA region. Furthermore, a Joint Automotive Council will be established in which representatives of both sides will assess and decide on the potential of new and current projects. The Council will be led by board-level members from each company.
Zetsche: "We very much look forward to our continued cooperation as business partners, as we want to continue to reap the mutual benefits of working together. That’s one of the reasons why we’re retaining a 19.9% equity position in Chrysler."
New Daimler AG
Due to the new corporate structure, the name of DaimlerChrysler AG is to be changed to Daimler AG. A decision on this is to be taken by the shareholders at an Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting probably in fall 2007.
The Board of Management of the new company will be reduced to six members. Tom LaSorda, Eric Ridenour and Tom Sidlik will leave the Board of Management with the Group’s sincere thanks.
There will no longer be a separate board position for procurement in the new Daimler AG. In the future, all procurement activities will be directly coordinated between the divisions. Within the Board of Management, Bodo Uebber will additionally assume overall responsibility for procurement. The leadership teams of the Mercedes Car Group, the Truck Group and Financial Services will remain unchanged, as will the teams in the vans and buses businesses.
Zetsche: "We’ve done our homework in our corporate functions and in all of our divisions. As a result of our strategic review, we have a well-defined roadmap to lead us into a good future."
The Mercedes Car Group will generate a return on sales of at least 7% this year, with higher rates to follow in the coming years.
The Truck Group will achieve an average return on sales of 7% over the cycle as of 2008. This represents a return on net assets of approximately 30%. DaimlerChrysler is also a world leader and profitability benchmark for buses. And in the vans business, which is performing very well, the new Sprinter will continue the success story of its predecessor.
The Financial Services division aims to earn a return on equity of more than 14%.
Growth perspectives
Zetsche: "We have a strong starting position. We have an above-average financial power. And our future prospects are promising." The Group has defined the following main areas for continued growth:
Further expansion in the core business, which means in the traditional segments that are the most profitable and have the highest growth rates, as well as exploiting new market opportunities on a regional basis.Continued development of innovative, customer-oriented and tailor-made services and activities, pursuing opportunities both up and down the value chain.
Strengthening leadership in sustainable, responsible and environmentally friendly technologies.
By focusing on these three areas, Daimler’s full potential is to be exploited and enterprise value is to be increased further through profitable and sustainable growth. Daimler intends to do this on its own, while continuing to benefit from opportunities of scale with Chrysler.
Zetsche on Daimler’s goals: "We will be the leading manufacturer of premium products and a provider of premium services in every market segment we serve worldwide. And we will pursue our commitment to excellence based on a common culture, a great heritage of innovation and pioneering achievements and – with Mercedes-Benz – the strongest automotive brand in the world.
Cerberus Capital Management, L.P., New York, is one of the largest private investment firms in the world, with approximately $23.5 billion under management in funds and accounts. Founded in 1992, Cerberus currently has significant investments in more than 50 companies that, in aggregate, generate more than $60 billion in annual revenues worldwide.
For the reader’s convenience, the financial information has been translated from euros into US dollars at an assumed rate of EUR 1 = $1.35. The convenience translation does not mean that the euro amounts actually represent the corresponding dollar amounts stated or that they could be converted into dollars at the assumed rate.
Well you sure excerpt why even bother guess I will have to do my own leg work!
Thank you for the report!:)
Cerberus Capital Management
Cerberus Capital Management LP is one of the largest private equity investment firms in USA. The firm is based in New York, N.Y., and run by 45-year-old financier Steve Feinberg. Former Vice President Dan Quayle has been a prominent Cerberus spokesperson and runs one of its international units.
Founded in 1992, Cerberus invests primarily in companies which are near bankruptcy and hopes to make the businesses it acquires profitable.
The company has been a voracious acquirer of businesses over the past several years and now includes sizeable investments in sportswear, paper products, military services, real estate, energy, retail, glassmaking, transportation, and building products. Its holdings amounted to $24 billion in 2006.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerberus_Capital_Management
I posted the full breaking news alert from the Wall Street Journal - it was one sentence long. The updated full article is now available to subscribers at wsj.com. And I have posted the full press release from DaimlerChrysler above.
The interesting thing is that Daimier AG will be responsible for existing pension and health benefit plans.
Four step program. Step 1 - Chapter 11. Step 2. Cancel all legacy employment contracts, including health and pensions. Step 3. Return to profitability. Step 4. Sell company for $40 B.
‘One of the other bidders was Magna International - which seems to be connected with the Russian Mafia. I’m glad they didn’t win.’
Whereas Cerberus appear to be affiliated with satan if their name is to be believed. Still, better the devil you know! (Groan) :D
WRONG! Chrysler gets those. Read the press release, dummy.
I hope GM isn’t in the background somewhere, they would royally screw up Chrysler.
Former Vice President Dan Quayle has been a prominent Cerberus spokesperson and runs one of its international units.
On October 19, 2006, John W. Snow, President George W. Bush's second United States Secretary of the Treasury, was named chairman of Cerberus.
Cerberus was recently involved in controversy surrounding its contributions to Republican Congressman Jerry Lewis. MCI, a company owned by Cerberus, had a $1 billion dollar contract to create the Navy/Marine computer network. However, the Defense Appropriations subcommittee released a critical report of MCI after receiving complaints about cost overruns and bad management. In response to this report, the committee had proposed to cut the MCI contract by 10%. In June 2003, Lewis, the head of the Defense Appropriations subcommittee, received over $110,000 dollars in contribution from Cerberus. Shortly thereafter, Lewis decided to preserve full funding for the $1 billion dollar contract. In 2005, Lewis was elected as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He acknowledged that the fundraising efforts of Cerberus "played a very significant role" in winning the post. Before her dismissal, US Attorney Carol Lam began an investigation of Lewis's contributors in 2006.
The moonbats will be howling and probably never by a Chrysler produt again.
FWIW I was lukewarm about Chrylser cars until my brothers-in-law swore by their Dodge trucks and vans. For thepast 15 years I've driven Plymouth mini vans and really liked them. LAst fall I replaced them with a '98 Dodge Durango in showroom condition...got it at a steal. It's the best vechicle I've ever been in including my Jag and Mercedes, Caddy, Mustang, and various Chevies, VW's, AMC's and...sigh...Renaults.
Hope the new guys don't gut the company for profit. I'm thinking about getting a another - newer - Durango!
prisoner6
Yeah, we need a "Report Self-Abuse" button.
Not only that HAL, isn’t that Canadian Blond Slick has been seen hanging with a Magna family member? That is all we would have needed, him sticking his head under the new Chrysler hood....
It is game set match for the UAW.
Mr. G-finger gave their approval, but you know they will have more freedom to make changes.
This may put Ford even more so in the cat-bird seat as they are 1st up for the union contract negotiations. Add to that Mulally brought his top and tough union negotiator with him from Boeing.
I'd say it will be an interesting summer for the American Manufacturers.
bttt
Ya, it makes me want to run right out and buy a car made by the "Big-3."
Not if you are paying attention. The Germans (Daimler) raped the company since the "merger", sucking over $10 billion out of Chrysler while charging for any use of Daimler technology in Chrysler vehicles.
Daimler forced Chrysler to buy all new equipment and parts from European firms affiliated with Daimler board members.
There are multiple investigations underway into Daimler's financial practices with regard to illegal activity.
Don't be so quick to blame Chrysler as it has been the most profitable of the Big Three for the last 20 years.
LOL!
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