Aston Martin opts for Italian injection

After hanging out 50% of its stock as bait, Aston Martin has selected Investindustrial as its newest bed fellow. The southern European investment specialists have handed over £150 million and will receive 37.5% of Aston Martin in return.

The Investment Dar company still retains a majority shareholding.

The input of fresh capital will allow Aston to continue its long-term growth ambitions. Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards explains: “Investindustrial’s new investment reflects and sustains the unique position of Aston Martin within the industry. With this partnership and the continued commitment of The Investment Dar, we look forward to working with our shareholders as we realise our vision and exciting future plans.”

Andrea C Bonomi, Senior Principal at Investindustrial, comments: “We are delighted to form part of this iconic global, but quintessentially British brand. We are looking forward to working with the management and Investment Dar to achieve a similar transformation and rejuvenation that we achieved with Ducati, by expanding the model range and strengthening the dealership network, throughout the world.”

Aston Martin is based in Gaydon, Warwickshire and employs 1600 people. It is the world’s only luxury sportscar brand not be underpinned by a major manufacturer. This independence allows it to forge unique model lines, but means it cannot share development costs among other platforms.

Aston Martin announces new partnership with Investindustrial

7 December 2012, Gaydon: Aston Martin welcomes Investindustrial as a major shareholder and confirms that it will now proceed with its extensive and exciting plans for sustainable long-term growth.

Aston Martin Chairman David Richards said: “I am delighted that Investindustrial has decided to become a major investor in Aston Martin. With the support of The Investment Dar, we have made substantial progress over the past five years in laying the foundations for success as one of the world’s leading luxury sports car manufacturers. Investindustrial’s new investment reflects and sustains the unique position of Aston Martin within the industry. With this partnership and the continued commitment of The Investment Dar, we look forward to working with our shareholders as we realise our vision and exciting future plans.”

Andrea C. Bonomi, Senior Principal at Investindustrial, comments: “We are delighted to form part of this iconic global, but quintessentially British brand. We are looking forward to working with the management and Investment Dar to achieve a similar transformation and rejuvenation that we achieved with Ducati, by expanding the model range and strengthening the dealership network, throughout the world.”

Adnan Al-Musallam Chairman & Managing Director of The Investment Dar said: “We welcome Investindustrial as new partners in our collaboration with Aston Martin. With our continued commitment and the support of Investindustrial, Aston Martin is in a strong position to pursue its plans for development.”

Investindustrial is investing £150m in Aston Martin in the form of a capital increase for a 37.5 per cent stake in the company.

Aston Martin intends to invest more than half a billion pounds in its new product and technology programme over the next five years. With the support of The Investment Dar and Investindustrial, the company is well positioned to realise its ambitious growth strategy.

Aston Martin production will remain at the luxury British marque’s global headquarters at Gaydon in Warwickshire, a purpose-built facility where a skilled workforce of 1600 employees assemble the current range of sports cars.

About Aston Martin:

Aston Martin reaches a milestone in 2013 as the world-famous British manufacturer of luxury sports cars marks its centenary. The company was founded on January 15, 1913 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford.

Synonymous with exceptional quality and superb craftsmanship the blueprint for all Aston Martins remains constant – they are characterful and exciting cars built to the highest standards. All are imbued with the brand’s key features of Power, Beauty and Soul – combining pure performance and true sporting ability with refinement, luxury and exceptional beauty.

Aston Martin is based in Gaydon, Warwickshire, in England. Its cars are handcrafted by highly-skilled engineers, guaranteeing the utmost attention to detail and precision across the range. Today, the line-up comprises the Vantage family of V8, V8 S, V12 Vantage and V12 Zagato, the Cygnet city car, new DB9, Rapide four-door sports car and new super GT – the Vanquish. The strictly limited edition One-77 supercar – now sold out – remains one of the brand’s most famous and sought-after creations of recent years. Aston Martin has a global network of 146 dealerships across 41 countries.

About Investindustrial:

Investindustrial is a leading European investment firm with €3.1 billion of assets under management, which provides industrial solutions and capital predominantly to leading mid-market companies. Its mission is to actively contribute to the development of the companies in which it invests, by creating growth opportunities and offering global solutions through an active ownership and entrepreneurial vision. Additional information is available at www.investindustrial.com.