Did Geely Successfully Acquire Mercedes-Benz?
2 Answers
Geely did not acquire Mercedes-Benz. Daimler "politely declined" Geely's acquisition proposal but welcomed it to purchase shares in the open market. Subsequently, Geely chose to increase its stake by buying existing shares. Here is additional information: 1. Daimler Group: As a pivotal company in the history of the global automotive industry, Daimler Group is the world's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, the top luxury car producer, and the second-largest truck manufacturer. 2. Geely: As the most internationalized Chinese automaker, Geely boasts an impressive track record of overseas mergers and acquisitions. Both Volvo and Proton have seen significant development after partnering with Geely.
I've always been interested in automotive news. From various sources, I learned that in 2018, Geely indeed invested in Daimler AG, acquiring a 9.69% stake and becoming the largest single shareholder. However, this wasn't a complete acquisition of Mercedes-Benz. Geely only holds a portion of the shares, and the Mercedes-Benz brand continues to operate independently. This type of investment is more like a strategic partnership. Geely had previously acquired Volvo, showcasing their global expansion. I believe this is beneficial for the automotive industry as it promotes technological exchange, but for the average car owner buying a Mercedes, there won't be significant changes. News reports indicate that the two companies have substantial collaboration in electric vehicles, which is a positive signal for future mobility. Remember, Geely doesn't control Mercedes' core assets; it's merely an investor relationship.
