Daimler considering possible Chinese investors

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai February 16) - Daimler AG is currently looking for new Chinese shareholders, with five to ten percent of its stock on sale, the Beijing Times reported today. According to the report, Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche has met with the China Investment Corporation to discuss the issue. The German company has already signed an agreement with an independent investment bank to help carry out the trade.

Daimler's largest shareholder is UAE fund Aabar Investments, who spent 1.95 billion euros ($2.52b) to acquire 9.1 percent of the company in March 2009. Investment fund Kuwait Investment Authority is the company's second largest shareholder, owning a 6.9 percent stake, while the Renault-Nissan Alliance holds a 3.1 percent share. If CIC or another Chinese company is able to acquire ten percent of Daimler, they will become its largest shareholder. Chinese interest in Daimler may help counter proposals from Aabar Investments, who has constantly expressed a strong interest in gaining a managerial position in the company.

On the floor of last month's North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Dr. Zetsche (pictured) confirmed that Daimler had several constructive bilateral dialogues with CIC. He added that Daimler welcomes Chinese investors.