Saab says goodbye after 64 years – Swedish automaker declared bankrupt after Youngman rescue attempt fails

It’s curtains for Saab after 64 years in the business, as the last-ditch rescue plan by Chinese investor Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile fell through, the attempt blocked by former owner and key licence holder General Motors. The Swedish automaker, which hasn’t made any vehicles since April, filed for bankruptcy yesterday, and a court approved the bankruptcy request, reports say.

“After having received the recent position of GM on the contemplated transaction with Saab Automobile, Youngman informed Saab Automobile that the funding to continue and complete the reorganisation of Saab Automobile could not be concluded,” Saab’s owner Swedish Automobile said in a statement.

“The Board of Saab Automobile subsequently decided that the company without further funding will be insolvent and that filing bankruptcy is in the best interests of its creditors,” and Swedish Automobile “does not expect to realise any value from its shares,” the statement added. Two receivers have been appointed to run the company.

“There are parties out there that have expressed an interest to pursue a possible acquisition of Saab from bankruptcy,” Swedish Automobile CEO Victor Muller told reporters,. He said that it was now up to receivers appointed to oversee the bankruptcy process to judge such offers, the reports add.

© 2011 Paul Tan's Automotive News. All Rights Reserved.

This story originally appeared on Paul Tan's Automotive News on Tue, 20 Dec 11 04:13:28 +0000.

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