Fiat moves to eject back-seat drivers at Ferrari

The Italian car giant Fiat has opened negotiations with the investment bank Mediobanca to buy back its 29 per cent stake in Ferrari.

It is understood that Sergio Marchionne, the chief executive of the Italian car maker, expects to achieve "a solid result" by the end of next month.

"Fiat likes Ferrari," said a source close to the company.

"It's a good and valuable asset, as Fiat chairman Luca di Montezemolo has said.

Fiat wants to keep the asset - 2007 would be too early for a flotation, for example."

Fiat has an option to acquire the Mediobanca holding in Ferrari for around US$800m.

It also owns a 2 per cent stake in Mediobanca, currently worth around 200m.

Analysts anticipate a share-swap, which would reduce the amount of cash required for the repurchase.

Mr Montezemolo has repeatedly underlined the importance of Ferrari for Fiat, on account of its research and development strength as well as its brand image.

Ferrari has enjoyed years as the leading team in Formula One.

Fiat sold a 34 per cent stake in Ferrari to Mediobanca in 2002 with a call option that expires at the end of June.

Mediobanca has since reduced its holding, selling a 5 per cent stake to Abu Dhabi's investment arm, the Mubadala Development Company.

Currently, Fiat has 56 per cent of Ferrari, with the son of the founder, Piero Ferrari, owning 10 per cent.

The sale of the Ferrari stake to Mediobanca was needed to refinance Fiat's ailing car business.

Between 2001 and 2004, Fiat accumulated losses of 8bn and was forced to radically overhaul the business.

Non-core businesses, including profitable finance and insurance interests, have been sold, raising 10bn.

Mr Marchionne persuaded the company's bankers to convert 3bn of debt into equity last year, as well as negotiating a 1.6bn payment from General Motors to be released from the contractual obligation of investing in Fiat.

Fiat has also significantly restructured its car business, cutting costs and strengthening management.

It has axed more than 12,000 jobs, mostly from Fiat Auto.

Fiat reported profits of 1.2bn last year, with its car division returning to the black in the final quarter.

The new Grande Punto has proved a success, with predicted sales this year of 360,000, enabling the Fiat car division to forecast operating profits of 200m.

Profit margins, however, remain tight.

- INDEPENDENT