DRB-Hicom has reached an agreement with Zhejiang Geely, the Chinese carmaker to acquire a 49.9% equity stake in Proton. The deal, which is subject to regulatory and shareholder approval, will also see Geely acquire a majority stake (51%) of Lotus from Proton.
Related: Geely to Acquire Controlling Stake in Proton
DRB-Hicom also announced that it will be selling off the remainder of its 49% stake in Lotus, exiting the sports car business. Both parties expect to sign the definitive agreement before the end of July 2017.
The agreement will allow Geely and Proton (along with its Lotus subsidiary) to explore joint synergies in areas such as R&D, manufacturing and market presence. According to Geely, the company is committed to supporting the transformation of Proton and Lotus with its expertise, and aims to build Proton into the most competitive brand in Malaysia and a leading brand in Southeast Asia.
Managing Director of DRB-Hicom group, Datuk Sri Syed Faisal Albar said:
“Our intention was always to ensure the revitalization of the Proton nameplate. It was Malaysia’s first national car brand and has more than 30 years of history. This deal will be the catalyst to elevate a brand that Malaysians resonate with.”
Related: Proton Saga- Then & Now..
Meanwhile, Geely group executive vice president and CFO Daniel Donghui Li commented:
“With Proton and Lotus joining the Geely Group portfolio of brands, we strengthen our global foot print and develop a beachhead in South East Asia. Geely Holding is full of confidence for the future of Proton, we will fully respect the brands history and culture to restore Proton to its former glory with the support of Geely’s innovative technology and management resources. We also aim to unleash the full potential of Lotus Cars and bring it into a new phase of development, thanks to our experience accumulated through Volvo Car’s revitalization.”
Geely surpassed Renault-Nissan and Peugeot-Citroen in the competition for purchasing Proton. Geely, which only produced its first car in 1998, has undergone massive changes over the years and even purchased Volvo from Ford in 2010, as well as the British London Taxi Company in 2012.
from Paultan
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
