http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsAr...llCars/225528/
BMW seriously considered launching a takeover bid for Volvo earlier this year, Autocar can reveal.
The Bavarian car maker requested a complete breakdown of Volvo’s financial position from a European investment bank, which is handling enquiries on behalf of Volvo’s owners Ford.
Sources also revealed that BMW had earlier looked at Alfa Romeo as a possible takeover target.
Industry experts have told Autocar that BMW is considering expanding its range of brands to aid the company’s future growth as well as underpinning its front-wheel-drive Mini division by greatly expanding its output.
It’s thought some company bosses saw Volvo as a global brand complimentary to BMW that still has considerable scope for growth. While BMW will always emphasise driving pleasure, Volvo would add safety and environmental concerns to the mix.
More at the link.
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| Reply » BMW reportedly interested in buying Volvo? |
Hmmm...Volvo would be an interesting acquisition. I think the brand identities might be distinct enough to allow both to be succesful, depending on the financials of course. Don't want to end up with another English patient like Rover.
I would really like to see what BMW could do with Alfa. That would be an exciting combination!
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| Reply » BMW reportedly interested in buying Volvo? |
Hmm, very interesting. I think the brands are certainly distinct enough to avoid competing with each other.
I would like to see this happen, if only because I hate to see Volvo reduced to designing different sheetmetal for Ford's platforms.
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| Reply » BMW reportedly interested in buying Volvo? |
Quote: | ... Volvo as a global brand complimentary to BMW |  (By the way, the word is complEmentary, spelt with an "E").
Volvo brand is sure distinct enough to be considered  . It is ridiculous to suggest that Volvo could add environmental concerns to the mix. BMW invests much more than Volvo in developing its engines to be more "environmental" that Volvo's anaemic 5 cyclinders.
And I am not giving Volvo any compliments, as it is not a complement to BMW.
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| Reply » BMW reportedly interested in buying Volvo? |
I like Volvo. Haven't really had much experience/exposure to them, but rented a little S40 in MSP last month (was brand-spanking new--maybe 400 miles on it), and it was a little hoot to drive. No BMW or Boxster of course, but it was a nice, tight little package. I'm not crazy about SUV's, but if Volvo ever made a minivan, we'd definitely give it a look-see to replace the little wifey's Ody.
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| Reply » BMW reportedly interested in buying Volvo? |
I think this would be an interesting transaction, I like the new Volvo S80, its very good looking inside and out, and it drives good too.
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BMW reportedly interested in buying Volvo?