Vladimir Antonov wants in Spyker-Saab deal, despite being ousted
By Andrew C., 27 Aug, 2010. 0 Comments
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Despite being ousted from a deal by Spyker to purchase Saab from General Motors Co., Russian investor Vladimir Antonov insists that he is still lending to Spyker and that he will continue to be a co-owner/shareholder of the Spyker-Saab group. Last Friday, Antonov revealed that he had asked that a private investigation be opened that aims to clear his name. The results of the probe would then be sent to GM to convince the carmaker to include him in the deal.
Antonov said that he has chosen to make a stand against what the media have said by getting a "large and globally renowned investigation agency, which has former FBI and CIA agents among its employees." The report is due in 2 or 3 weeks. The agency will be investigating if he or his family has any criminal links and will be issuing assessments supported by documents.
The contents of this report will be given to all who participated in the transaction and to the press as well. Dutch investors group VEB has complained about the secrecy surrounding the financing and structure of deal to purchase Saab, in which Spyker CEO Victor Muller bought 29% in Spyker from Antonov's Convers Group. Antonov will be providing Muller's company Tenaci with loans for around $100 million. So far, $25 million had already been disbursed. The loans to Tenaci are said to be a part of a broader scheme by Spyker to buy Saab. [source autonews]
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