Ford Sells Aston Martin In $924 Million Deal
According to a report from the BBC, Ford has sold Aston Martin for £479 million ($924 million) to the motorsport firm, Prodrive, which is heading the UK-led consortium that is buying the company.
Ford will hang onto a £40 million stake in the company and Aston Martin will remain at its purpose-built factory in Gaydon in Warwickshire, employing over 1,800 people.
‘This is an incredible opportunity–Aston Martin is one of the world’s most iconic brands,’ said Dave Richards, who heads the Prodrive company. ‘We are confident we now have all the right ingredients to take Aston Martin to even greater heights.’
John Sinders, a banker in finance and shipping who is also in the consortium, said, ‘The dream for me was to own an Aston Martin, never to own part of the company. It’s a dream come true.’ Two Kuwaiti companies–Investment Dar and Adeem Investment–are addtionally involved.
The partnership was ‘a tremendously exciting opportunity,’ said Aston Martin chief executive Ulrich Bez. ‘It is a new beginning which will give the company the opportunity to attain an even higher level of excellence. This next stage in the company’s history promises to be the most exciting yet.’
With this sale finally taking place, many James Bond fans are wondering how this will affect Bond 22 and future 007 films. Be sure to voice your opinion on the CBn Forums.
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