BREAKING: BBC says Magna has agreed to take majority stake in Opel from GM

According to the BBC News, supplier Magna International has come to terms with General Motors to purchase a majority stake in its European Opel division. While an agreement has been reached between the two parties, the German government – which has agreed to provide financial assistance for Opel – needs to sign off on the matter. Magna and GM have signed a memorandum of understanding that will reportedly help Opel secure some 1.5 billion euros ($2.1B USD) in bridge loans, as well as shore up protections against creditors in the event of a GM bankruptcy.

For its part, Magna will reportedly pour somewhere between 500-700 million euros into Opel, and it plans to cut 10% of the marque's workforce in Germany – about 2,500 employees.

Interestingly, GM will reportedly hold on to a 35% stake in the brand, while Opel workers themselves will end up with 10% of the company. No word yet on what will happen to Vauxhall, Opel's UK twin. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: BBC]

http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/29/b...y-stake-in-op/

opel safed?

Good news.

+1.....but still along way to go for a lot of the car manufacturer`s and for businesses in general.
Unfortunately the media has only added unessessary fuel to this "economic downturn" and frightened pepole.