schreef:
Antonov entering Saab
2010-07-16 07:48
Russian billionaire Vladimir Antonov run very hard to get General Motors to admit him as the owner of Saab Spyker. "Negotiations are going on right now and we are awaiting responses," he says.
The investigation allegedly exonerate him from accusations of Mafia connections were completed in early June.
"It shows what I have said all along. Nothing criminal," he said, but refuses to give any ground.
The old promise from last winter to publish the report which is blown away.
"My lawyer has advised me not to reveal anything."
The question is why he cling to the Saab.
"I am a businessman and entrepreneur. I can be the business plan and believe in it," he replies.
Meanwhile, Antonov is already a major indirect power over Saab Automobile. His money did Spykers purchase possible.
According to its own statement, he has lent about $ 100 million to Spykers CEO Victor Muller.
"I'm his personal financier," said Antonov and threaten to cancel the interview if he gets more questions about money.
He'd rather talk about plans to create a Russian sub-brand for Saab, one budgetbil to be produced in Kaliningrad. Perhaps by buying off old tools in the new 9-3 model are expected in two years.
"Just as the Chinese did," he says, referring to BAIC's purchase of the old 9-5 tools.
Antonov aims to have a frame to the business plan ready this fall.
"With a solid business plan, I do not think that Saab's Board of Directors and shareholders can receive it," he says. "
The financier Vladimir Antonov was a rally driver for a few days visiting and participating in Midnattsolsrallyt ascribes to himself is not in his commercial interest in the Saab.
"I do it because it's fun," said Antonov at Thursday's lunch break in Västergötland Vedum rally where he eats chop.