Tata Motors buys Jaguar, Land Rover for nearly USD 2.3 bn

Tata Motors, India`s biggest automobile company, entered into a definitive agreement with Ford Motor for the purchase of Jaguar Land Rover, comprising brands, plants and intellectual property rights. The transfer of ownership to Tata Motors is expected to close by the end of next quarter, subject to applicable regulatory approvals.

The total amount to be paid in cash by Tata Motors for Jaguar Land Rover upon closing will be nearly USD 2.3 billion. At closing, Ford will then contribute up to nearly USD 600 million to the Jaguar Land Rover pension plans.

Commenting on the agreement, chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Ratan N Tata, said, ``we are very pleased at the prospect of Jaguar, Land Rover being a significant part of our automotive business. We have enormous respect for the two brands and will endeavour to preserve and build on their heritage and competitiveness, keeping their identities intact. We aim to support their growth, while holding true to our principles of allowing the management and employees to bring their experience and expertise to bear on the growth of the business.``

As part of the transaction, Ford will continue to supply Jaguar Land Rover for differing periods with powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components, in addition to a variety of technologies, such as environmental and platform technologies. Ford also has committed to provide engineering support, including research and development, plus information technology, accounting and other services.

In addition, Ford Motor Credit Company will provide financing for Jaguar and Land Rover dealers and customers during a transitional period, which can vary by market, of up to 12 months.

The parties believe these arrangements will support Jaguar Land Rover`s current product plans, while providing Jaguar Land Rover with the freedom to develop its own stand-alone capabilities in the future that will best serve its premium manufacturer requirements.

The parties do not anticipate any significant changes to Jaguar Land Rover employees` terms of employment on completion.

Jaguar Land Rover`s employees, trades unions and the UK Government have been kept informed of developments as the sale process progressed and have indicated their support for the agreement.

Founded in 1922, Jaguar has been amongst the premium brands for luxury saloons and sports cars. Since its very first design appeared in 1948, Land Rover has always been universally identified as the ultimate in four-wheel drive vehicles, Jaguar and Land Rover have been under Ford`s ownership since 1989 and 2000 respectively. The two together have about 16,000 employees.

Shares of the company declined Rs 0.55, or 0.08%, to settle at Rs 679.4. The total volume of shares traded was 676,066 at the BSE (Wednesday).