Daimler AG / Strategic Company Decision
25.07.2008
Release of a Adhoc News, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Daimler exclusive negotiating partner of Troika Dialog in talks to
acquire 42% of the shares in Kamaz
Russia is already Europes biggest truck market
Stuttgart As part of its growth strategy for the BRIC countries, Daimler
Trucks is currently examining various possibilities for entering the
Russian volume market. Along with the option of building a new factory for
local assembly of Daimler Trucks, the division is also studying the
possibility of acquiring a stake in the Russian truck manufacturer Kamaz
that would enable the two companies to combine their development,
production, and sales expertise. Daimler would bring in the technological
know-how of the global industry leader, while Kamaz has the production
facilities, sales structures, and a good network in Russia.
In the second quarter of 2008, Daimler had started negotiations with the
investment company 'Troika Dialog', which would like to sell 42% of the
shares in Kamaz. In a bidding process with diverse Western OEMs involved,
Daimler was then chosen as the exclusive negotiating partner. Shortly after
that Daimler started a due diligence in order to evaluate all relevant
factors for a possible company participation.
A final decision on Daimler Trucks strategy for Russia is expected to be
made by the end of this year.
Further information from Daimler is available on the internet at:
www.media.daimler.com
This document contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current
views about future events. The words 'anticipate,' 'assume,' 'believe,'
'estimate,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'plan,' 'project,' 'should' and
similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. These
statements are subject to many risks and uncertainties, including an
economic downturn or slow economic growth in important economic regions,
especially in Europe or North America; the effects of the credit crisis
which could result in a weaker demand for our products particularly in the
U.S. but as well in the European market; changes in currency exchange rates
and interest rates; the introduction of competing products and the possible
lack of acceptance of our products or services; price increases in fuel,
raw materials, and precious metals; disruption of production due to
shortages of materials, labor strikes or supplier insolvencies; a decline
in resale prices of used vehicles; the business outlook for Daimler Trucks,
which may be affected if the U.S. and Japanese commercial vehicle markets
experience a sustained weakness in demand for a longer period than
expected; the effective implementation of cost reduction and efficiency
optimization programs; the business outlook of Chrysler, in which we hold
an equity interest, including its ability to successfully implement its
restructuring plans; the business outlook of EADS, in which we hold an
equity interest, including the financial effects of delays in and
potentially lower volumes of future aircraft deliveries; changes in laws,
regulations and government policies, particularly those relating to vehicle
emissions, fuel economy and safety, the resolution of pending governmental
investigations and the outcome of pending or threatened future legal
proceedings; and other risks and uncertainties, some of which we describe
under the heading 'Risk Report' in Daimlers most recent Annual Report and
under the headings 'Risk Factors' and 'Legal Proceedings' in Daimlers most
recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. If any of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or if the
assumptions underlying any of our forward-looking statements prove
incorrect, then our actual results may be materially different from those
we express or imply by such statements. We do not intend or assume any
obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking
statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made.
About Daimler
Daimler AG, Stuttgart, with its businesses Mercedes-Benz Cars, Daimler
Trucks, Daimler Financial Services, Mercedes-Benz Vans and Daimler Buses,
is a globally leading producer of premium passenger cars and the largest
manufacturer of commercial vehicles in the world. The Daimler Financial
Services division has a broad offering of financial services, including
vehicle financing, leasing, insurance and fleet management.
Daimler sells its products in nearly all the countries of the world and has
production facilities on five continents. The companys founders, Gottlieb
Daimler and Carl Benz, continued to make automotive history following their
invention of the automobile in 1886. As an automotive pioneer, Daimler and
its employees willingly accept an obligation to act responsibly towards
society and the environment and to shape the future of safe and sustainable
mobility with groundbreaking technologies and high-quality products. The
current brand portfolio includes the worlds most valuable automobile
brand, Mercedes-Benz, as well as smart, AMG, Maybach, Freightliner,
Sterling, Western Star, Mitsubishi Fuso, Setra, Orion and Thomas Built
Buses. The company is listed on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt, New York
and Stuttgart (stock exchange abbreviation DAI). In 2007, the Group sold
2.1 million vehicles and employed a workforce of over 270,000 people;
revenue totaled 99.4 billion and EBIT amounted to 8.7 billion. Daimler is
an automotive Group with a commitment to excellence, and aims to achieve
sustainable growth and industry-leading profitability.
DGAP 25.07.2008
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Language: English
Issuer: Daimler AG
Mercedesstraße 137
70327 Stuttgart
Deutschland
Phone: +49 (0)711-17 413 61
Fax: +49 (0)711-17 413 72
E-mail: ir.dai@daimler.com
Internet: http://www.daimler.com
ISIN: DE0007100000
WKN: 710000
Indices: DAX, EURO STOXX 50
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard), Stuttgart;
Freiverkehr in Berlin, Hannover, München, Hamburg,
Düsseldorf; Foreign Exchange(s) NYSE
End of News DGAP News-Service
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DGAP-Adhoc: Daimler AG: Daimler Trucks Examining Possibility of Acquiring a Stake in Russian Truck Maker Kamaz
| Source: EQS Group AG