Fiat Chrysler Chairman Says Peugeot Deal on Track
20 Mayo 2020 - 07:10AM
Noticias Dow Jones
By Jessica Sier
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV's Chairman John Elkann says merger
plans with Peugeot SA are proceeding as envisaged, despite concerns
the Italian government may impose dividend restrictions on its
coronavirus-related loan package, and the deal's rationale is
"stronger than ever."
"All the workstreams for the 50-50 merger project we announced
between FCA and PSA, to create one of the world's leading
automotive groups, are proceeding on time and as envisaged," said
Mr. Elkann in a speech to the shareholders of Exor NV on Wednesday,
where he is also Chief Executive of the Italian holding company
belonging to the Agnelli family.
"The strategic logic of this combination for the two companies
and all their employees, is stronger than ever."
Exor is the largest shareholder in Fiat Chrysler.
The comments come as Fiat Chrysler negotiates a 6.3 billion euro
($6.89 billion) credit line from the Italian government to shore up
cash flow during the economic uncertainty posed by the coronavirus
spread.
However, analysts speculate the state-backed loan may force the
amendment of a EUR5.5 billion special dividend Fiat Chrysler agreed
to pay shareholders at the close of the deal in either the first or
second quarter of 2021.
"Exor stands to independently gain around EUR1 billion in
special and ordinary dividend payments from the deal," said Tom
Narayan, auto analyst at RBC Capital Markets.
"Any changes to the dividend could affect the merger agreement,
and given Exor owns so much of the company they could have the
power to block the deal."
Exor has an existing 28.9% stake in Fiat Chrysler with 42.5%
voting rights, according to Exor's most recent annual report.
The Netherlands-based holding company will become the largest
shareholder of the merged entity with around 14% of the capital.
The Peugeot family will be the second largest shareholder.
However, there are concerns the Italian government loan program
may stipulate companies must not to pay out dividends in 2020 or
2021.
According to Italian daily newspaper ll Messaggero, the
state-backed loans may require guarantees of employment levels in
Italy, confirmation of capital expenditure plans, as well as
postponing dividend payments until the end of 2021.
"While there could be ad hoc changes with regard to the
distribution of dividends, we believe there is no problem getting
the loan," said Martino De Ambroggi, analyst at Equita Sim.
"We believe that this financing will be used to face the most
acute phase of the crisis, but in the case of restrictive
conditions we do not rule out that it can be repaid in advance by
drawing on other sources of financing."
Shares in Fiat Chrysler have sunk around 45% since just before
the merger was announced in December 2019, largely driven by the
widespread economic damage caused by the coronavirus spread.
Peugeot's stock is down more than 60% since the deal was
announced.
Write to Jessica Sier at jessica.sier@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
May 20, 2020 07:55 ET (11:55 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2020 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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