Mercedes likely to buy out McLaren...

[TopHat]

From LLN.com

Rumors are again swirling about a possible buyout of the McLaren Group by DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes acquired a 40 percent stake in the company in 1999, and was rumored to be considering a complete buyout this summer. Speculation subsided over the past few months, but a new round of media reports citing credible sources indicate a deal is near.

When asked if a deal was in the works, founder Ron Dennis said he was open to the possibility. "If an opportunity presents itself and can make McLaren better, it is supported by its management and I embrace it," he told Motorsport News magazine.

Dennis hinted McLaren and Mercedes might also be working on new projects outside of motorsports. "We have some really exciting programs outside our formula one team and want the company to grow," he said. The companies previously collaborated on the Mercedes McLaren SLR, and are rumored to be working on a successor.

If McLaren is bought, they better have models of their own.

 

[V1P3R]

Say so long to McLaren.

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Nice! Now I can see Gordon Murray along with Honda or BMW can get together again. Yay! The good old days! Maybe Honda/BMW and McLaren with will make the sequel to the fabulous F1. (:

 

[Law93]

to be honest, i think they would have better business if they do this.....and, maybe coming out with some rear engine road cars would come?

 

[harrytuttle]

Aren't these rumors about 18 months old? I remember hearing about them back when Coulthard kept blowing up engines. It made me think that Mercedes was doing something to make McLaren look bad, leaving them with less competition for a buyout.