German auto car maker BMW wants an increased stake in SGL Carbon, a West-German carbon product manufacturer located in Wiesbaden. As of now, BMW already owns 29% of shares in their existing strategic partner and leading firm in the carbon-based manufacturing industry.
Many car makers are taking similar interest in carbon because of the lightweight, durability and perhaps appealing characteristics of the raw material which will enhance the car in many aspects.
SGL Carbon produces high-end components to BMW Sports models. The 2 firms collaborated in a US$100M high-tech plant in the USA to produce such parts for the German auto car giant.
The potential increment of shares by BMW in SGL Carbon would definitely give BMW an edge over local rivals Volkswagen, who currently have 8% of shares in the Carbon-producing company. I consider this strategic move as vital because it would provide BMW with a certain sense of security over the availability of a key raw material, especially as BMW prepares the launch of the i-series – the state of the art environmentally-friendly sports car series that is uncompromising in speed, power and performance.
Citation:
http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/BMW-wants-stake-in-SGL-Carbon-report-MQ92M?opendocument&src=rss
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