Daimler to Unload Chrysler in $7.4B Deal

German firm keeps minority stake in American auto giant
By Greg Atwan,  Newser Staff
Posted May 14, 2007 7:34 AM CDT
Daimler to Unload Chrysler in $7.4B Deal
In a file photo DaimlerChrysler AG Chairman Dieter Zetsche aspeaks at a news conference in Detroit, Wednesday, June 28, 2006. Confirming weeks of conjecture and rumor, DaimlerChrysler AG's chairman said Wednesday, April 4, 2007, that it has been in talks with people about the sale of its struggling...   (Associated Press)

DaimlerChrysler has sold a majority stake in the Chrysler Group to the American private-equity firm Cerberus for $7.4 billion, the auto giant announced today. The deal unhooks the money-losing American arm of the international conglomerate from its German partner, which will retain a 19.9% stake in Chrysler and change its name to Daimler AG as soon as this fall.

CEO Dieter Zetsche says the company kept a hand in because it plans to continue working closely with Chrysler. The agreement saddles the new Chrysler Holding LLC with expensive health care and pension obligations, one of the deal's sticking points. The UAW president said he was "pleased" with the resolution, and shares in DaimlerChrysler rose 7% on the German market. (More DaimlerChrysler stories.)

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