GM: European Restructuring Plan May Take Until Mid-Year
03 April 2009 - 6:02AM
Dow Jones News
General Motors Corp. (GM) is developing "contingency plans" for
its European operations should negotiations to secure government
aid fail, the auto maker said in a regulatory filing Thursday.
GM said its European restructuring may not be complete until
mid-year.
The company also said it expects no financial support from the
Swedish government unless it can find a suitable investor for its
Swedish Saab (SAAB-B.SK) brand. GM is looking to offload the brand
and is seeking court protection from creditors similar to a
U.S.-style bankruptcy.
GM said it also is talking to the Export-Import Bank of Thailand
about securing loans for operations there.
The updates came as part of GM's submission on Monday to
President Barack Obama's automotive task force.
GM promised an overhaul of its money-losing European conditions
as part of a plea last month for up to $30 billion in U.S.
government loans.
The auto maker is seeking billions in aid from other regions as
it scrambles to avoid bankruptcy. The White House this week gave GM
until June 1 to restructure its operations and balance sheet. If
those efforts fail, the company would be forced into a
government-funded bankruptcy reorganization.
-By Sharon Terlep, 248-204-5532; sharon.terlep@dowjones.com.