Fiat Chrysler, Peugeot owner PSA in talks to combine, says source
The merger would see the creation of a $50 billion automaker
Fiat Chrysler and Peugeot owner PSA are in talks to combine in a deal that could create a $50 billion automaker, a source familiar with the matter said on Tuesday.
The Wall Street Journal first reported the discussions. Fiat Chrysler shares rose sharply after the report and were up more than 7.5 per cent in late afternoon U.S. trading. The companies had no comment.
Fiat Chrysler earlier this year broached a merger with French automaker Renault SA that ultimately collapsed.
Investors have speculated for several years that Fiat Chrysler was hunting for a merger partner, encouraged by the rhetoric of the company's late chief executive, Sergio Marchionne. In 2015, Marchionne outlined the case for consolidation of the auto industry and tried unsuccessfully to interest General Motors in a deal.
Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler had discussed a combination earlier this year, before Fiat Chrysler proposed a $35 billion merger with Renault. At that time, Fiat Chrysler said a deal with Renault offered more advantages than a combination with Peugeot.
Fiat Chrysler Chairman John Elkann broke off talks with Renault in June after French government officials intervened, and pushed for Renault to first resolve tensions with its Japanese alliance partner, Nissan.
Following the collapse of the Renault merger plan, Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley left the door open for talks with would-be partners. But he said the Italian-American automaker could go it alone, despite mounting costs to develop electric vehicles and comply with tougher emissions rules in Europe, the United States and China.
Peugeot CEO Carlos Tavares dismissed the idea of a combination with Fiat Chrysler during a discussion with reporters at the Frankfurt auto show last month.
"We don't need it," Tavares said when asked whether he was still interested in a deal with Fiat Chrysler.
Tavares has moved aggressively to expand Peugeot, acquiring German auto brand Opel from General Motors for $2.6 billion in 2017. Since then, Tavares has overseen a turnaround at Opel.
Fiat Chrysler already has a commercial vehicle partnership with Peugeot.