Ford Plans to Sell Part of Stake in Mazda

Informed sources have said because of the decline in car sales, the spread of financial crisis and debt burden, Ford Motor Company is considering the sale of some shares of Japan's Mazda Motor Corp.

Ford currently holds a total of 33.4 percent stake in Mazda, the market value of 1.36 billion U.S. dollars.

Japan NHK World TV said earlier on the 11th, Ford has approached a number of Japanese companies, is considering selling its 20% stake in Mazda.

Japanese media have reported that Mazda's business partner Sumitomo Group is considering buying some shares, in addition to India's Tata Motors may also be a potential buyer. It is reported that Ford is unlikely sell the shares in Mazda to other fellow competitors in Japan.

On the 11th, Mazda Motor Corporation issued a statement that Ford has not made any decision to sell its shares, but does not rule out the possibility of sale. Ford didn't post any comment to the speculation, saying only that the relationship between Ford and Mazda have not changed.

Mazda and Ford established capital cooperative relations in 1979. Firstly Ford in the ownership of 25% in 1996 to 33.4 percent, Ford was controlling stake.

Originally Posted: China Business Daily
Author: Angulo Fu