F&I Management & Training

THREE companies are believed to have been shortlisted by Ford Motor Company as the potential owners for its up-for-sale Jaguar and Land Rover brands.As the sale process moves into its final stages the three companies battling it out are understood to be: Indian vehicle manufacturer Tata and its carmaking rival Mahindra & Mahindra and private equity company One Equity, which is fronted by ex-Ford chief executive Jac Nasser.Ripplewood and Cerberus, both private equity groups, which have expressed an interest in owning the two companies are thought to be outsiders.Unions, which are pressing for guaranteed work for factories at Dagenham, Halewood and Bridgend, are due to meet the shortlisted bidders later this month. Ford plans to sell the businesses by the end of the year or early in 2008.

DATED: 08.11.07

FEED: HC