Saab’s Last Chance at Life
Sep 14th, 2011 by davidjhinku
The name Saab wouldn’t ring a bell to many as it had in the 1980’s, but the drama surrounding the company this past year has brought it back into the spotlight. After being jettisoned from General Motors, Saab has struggled under its new ownership to raise the captial and investment necessary to continue production of this iconic brand. Their most controversial option comes in the form of Vladmir Antonov, a wealthy Russian investment banker with possible mafia connections. Mr Antonov has been making offers since GM first annouced they would be selling Saab but due to his gray background has been barred from ownership in Saab. That hasn’t stopped him from making attempts and as Saab’s situation gets grimmer, Swedish Automobile has come out and admit they are in continued talks over selling shares to Antonov.
While it may be questionable for Saabs owners to continue talks with Antonov, they’re running out options and must consider any option to keep the company afloat. Without solid evidence against Antonov I believe its well within Saabs rights to negotiate with him, his investment might be the only thing that keeps the Saab brand from fadding into obscurity.
Sources
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/31/swedishautomobile-idUSLDE77U0R220110831
http://www.leftlanenews.com/eib-denies-russian-banker-antonov-ownership-of-saab.html
Do you think Antonov is unjustified in trying to buy out a previously Russian-owned company in an attempt to rebuild its iconic image prior to GM’s failure?
Actually Saab was a Swedish company, it was bought by gm to stop the company from going under before. I do believe this is an icOnic Swedish brand and an important industry providing over 3500 jobs