all this crap about KPMG, cant believe it! – sorry, that’s one of the Spyker guys horsing around – SW
It’s official – done – Saab is owned by Spyker.
Press release below – baby!!!!
——
- Spyker Cars finalizes deal over the purchase of Saab Automobile
- Transfer of ownership has taken place
- Saab exits liquidation and the management are back in control
- Transaction signals the start of an exciting new era for Saab
- Saab and Spyker to operate under parent company Spyker Cars N.V.
Trollhättan. Spyker Cars N.V. today confirmed it has finalized the deal with General Motors Company to purchase Saab Automobile AB. The transfer of ownership took place at (around 5pm) on February 23. Prior to the close of the deal Saab exited liquidation and control was reinstated to Jan Åke Jonsson, Saab Automobile’s CEO, and his management team. Going forward Saab Automobile and Spyker Cars will operate as sister companies under the umbrella of the Amsterdam Euronext listed parent company Spyker Cars N.V. (Ticker symbol:SPYKR). This transaction secures the future of Saab Automobile and signals the start of an exciting new era for the iconic brand.
Victor Muller, CEO of Spyker Cars NV said: “We are delighted – Saab’s future is now secure.” He continued: “From today we will be concentrating all of our efforts into reviving Saab and transforming it into a sustainable and profitable company with the confidence to be bold. We will reinforce the emotional experience between Saab drivers and their cars and we will focus on Saab’s historical strengths in the fields of independent thinking, aircraft heritage, ecological performance and motorsport.
“Through this acquisition we add approximately 15 euros per share in equity and 60 euros of assets. With a well funded business plan in place we are looking forward to working with Saab’s management on the realization of that plan and bringing exciting new products to our customers. Real Saabs, Saab Saabs”
Jan Åke Jonsson, CEO of Saab Automobile AB said: “Today’s announcement is great for Saab’s customers, dealers, suppliers and employees around the globe, the level of passion and support shown to Saab over recent months has been remarkable and this does bode well for the future. Now we aim to get back to the execution of our business plan, starting with the introduction of the new 9-5 later this year, and with the continued support of our employees and business partners I am confident we will succeed.”
“This transaction represents the successful outcome of months of hard work and intense negotiations, all aimed at securing a sustainable future for this unique brand, and we are pleased with the positive outcome,” said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances. “This is a great day for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, and a great day for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide.”
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Amazing!
Happy Happy Joy Joy, looks like good news always comes on a tuesday for saab.
TODAY is SAAB INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Congrats to EVERYONE!!!
Griffin Up ^
Yeeeeeez!
Congratulations to VM and to Swade. And to everyone else that has been part of this effort.
Well done VM, J
This calls for TWO kermits! But spam filters won’t let me.
Horn function check:
2008 9-3 2.0T Convertible. Pass.
2009 9-5 2.3T SportCombi Griffin Edition. Pass.
Griffin Up!
Hey… you know what everyone? Although its been hell, in the end GM did what was right. I think we owe them a respectful round of applause.
clap clap clap clap
I.am.speechless!!! A tremendous congratulations to EVERYONE involved. Words are simply inadequate in stating my sincere gratitude to Victor Muller, Jan-Ake Jonsson, the Saab employees, Steven, everyone around the globe that wrote, spoke, and rallied, investors…the list goes on. THANK YOU AND WOO-HOO!!! This is a truly exciting day. Drive safely and KEEP ON SAABING!!!
pressconference live on swedish radio 16.55 (now)
http://www.sr.se/ekot/artikel.asp?artikel=3464158
At last. Congratulations to all and a big big thank you to all.
Swade you deserve all this and more. Thank you.
Yeaha!
Thank you all trolls, thank you Victor and thank you J
Congrats to everyone!
Freedom!!!!
PARTY………….!!!
Stand up..stand up and clap your hands!!!
Bright future i hope!! =)
Congratulations to everyone inside that room and inside this blog!!
This are hot news
I think on the version for the press ther will be the real time
Agreed. Thanks to everyone, from the K-Segg group that got the business plan in place, to Merbanco/CJ and the other bidders, Saab’s management team and employees, Saab fans, Victor, and yes…even GM!
Congratulations!!!
Of all days, I drove me truck to work and not my Saab..
YAY!!!! Celebration!!!
Celebrate good times, come on…
…we all celebrate and have a good time!
Congratulations! To everyone, I am still amazed at the Saab community for what they have done for Saab, and to have that recognised by Victor Muller, definitely a Saab Independence Day worth celebrating and remembering.
Stingray, you are forgiven. Just don’t let it happen again
Thanks VM, Investors, JAJ, Workers, Fans in all countries, Dealers!!!!! You are the best!
We finally made it people: Congratulations!
Victor, Jan-
Congrats to everyone!!.best day ever!!:)
I’m truly impressed Swade. Amazing how the planet turns. Salut!
I’m also laughing at the KPMG thing. Shouldn’t the caterer get credit too?
Time to celebrate a new international holiday: Saab Independence Day! Cheers to everyone!
The time is now, of course. I think there may even be a song about it
Free at last, Free at last. Thank God Almighty (and VM, JAJ, Swade, et al) SAAB is FREE AT LAST!
Congrats to everyone involved and to the people that build our cars in Trollhatten!
Year one of a new age!
There was to be a press conference at 1700 CET but the reporters were at the wrong place ……..
I assume Steven is there too, at the right place!
Link; http://www.sr.se/webbradio/webbradio.asp?type=live&Id=sr-extra01&BroadcastDate=&IsBlock=
Rock on!
Griffin rising from the ashes,
Saab, Born Again!
Damn, crying….
and WWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW of course!!!!
Free, free at last!!
Congratulations! This has been a long day, not to mention the year…
THIS IS SOOO COOOL…
I can hardly stay in my pants…
So nice Swade that you can be there to feel all this…
I am smiling!!!! I am happy!!! Congratulations!
…and now do the right with the freedom Saab!
V
YIPPPEEE! A new chapter in Saab history — Thanks to all who helped make this possible — And where do I sign up to get my new 92?
Humm… Its a micro-brew night for me!
Steven,
Might you don a ‘Swadecam’ [forehead?] and grant us real-time vicarious thrills of the evening’s proceedings? Mercifully spare us bathroom shots (likely plenty if the wines flowin’…).
SwadeCAM, SwadeCAM, SwadeCAM!!!
Check out the press conference
http://www.tv4play.se/nyheter/nyhetskanalen
LOL! Swadecam would be hilarious! I would definitely watch! It’s going to be a fun night in Sweden!
Everybody enjoy your big sighs of relief!
Only for swedes
Oh yeah. This is the stuff. Vive la Saab!!
Actually I take that back, Swadecam would NOT be a good idea, especially during the drunk/hung over phase haha
Am off to a friends house for a curry and a few bottles of wine.
)
What a wonderful day for SAAB!!
My thoughts exactly
Yeehaaa!
Oh I thought everybody could watch it. It hasn’t started yet. But you can listen to it
http://www.sr.se/webbradio/include/player.asp?type=live&Id=2383
Well, it wouldn’t be on Swade’s account. He plays against Aussie stereotype and drinks little.
Too bad my swedish is not thaat good
Unfortunately, this cannot be viewed outside Sweden
PC seems to start now on;
http://www.sr.se/webbradio/webbradio.asp?type=live&Id=sr-extra01&BroadcastDate=&IsBlock=
I feel all fuzzy and warm inside. I feel happy. I feel… love.
Now let’s hope Vic starts to deliver on his promises
Look!
YAY!!! We did it! Now we need to get to work selling these crazy cars
How fitting, I drove my OG900 in the snow to work today and passed a F150 and a Jeep Cherokee. That should be reason enough to buy these awesome cars.
I’m so happy it’s finally over! The stress, anticipation, blah blah, it’s all done (for now)!
Take a day, celebrate. Good work everyone!
And Swade I’m super jealous you were in the room with them. That’s a pretty cool thing to be a part of. What a story!
5:34 p.m.: Are you guys hearing the same thing I’m hearing?? It seems they left the mikes on after the press conference while they’re chatting over drinks, LOL!!!!
Excellent news!
Congratulations everybody!
I hope they will start up production again in the very near future. And I hope as many employees as possible will be rehired.
I’m using sr.sr as audio and nyhetskanalen as video..Cool eh?
Bellissimo!
23/2 Saab national day
anthem: “griffin up!”
Let’s explain this to our employees or employers, that we have a day off. Each year
Nope, they are waiting for the “show”
Mahtavaa!!! Griffin up!
This feels so good! Finally..Finally!!!! Jeeeee
The journos are sitting down now…so I guess we are about to start!
Fantastic! Finally! Celebrations are in order. Maybe it isn’t exactly a marzipan cake, but I will most certainly pick up a semla on my way home from work! It’s the season for them, after all.
Libertas inaestimabilis res est
What a good day to be a Saab lover!!!
Here we go!
FANTASTIC NEWS!!!
Now all that needs to be done is get the dealers some floorplan financing, while there is still time to save some of THEM.
GREAT DAY
Fantastic!
Congratulations everyone, and a big THANK YOU to all involved in this process – especially VM, JAJ, SW and all the good people at SAAB!
I think GM also deserve a little thank you for not winding down SAAB after all.
The future looks bright for SAAB, and I really have faith in VM’s plans for SAAB. This is AWESOME!!!
THANK YOU!
Cheers from Norway!
-Olav-
Always on the longest road home when out there with my SAAB. Always!
How lovely of them they are talking in English!! The Swedes ROCK and how great that our own Mr. SWa/eDE is there!! Great for him – and for us all
NOW the press conference has begun:
http://www.sr.se/webbradio/?id=sr-extra01 (in English)
Deal signed,
EIB loan signed!
This is the best day for Saab in a long time. While many had doubts about Spyker (including myself), I don’t think they could have wished for a better partner for the future. Happy SAAB Independence Day!
“Swadecam would NOT be a good idea, especially during the drunk/hung over phase haha”.
Best part!
Watching Steven doing belly shots off stomachs at Opera…
Or the reverse — better view? — if we buy E&G on Swade’s temperance [CENSORED].
YES!!!
Now, let’s prove all those Saab nay-sayers wrong!
Go Victor & JAJ!
JaJ:
1) Must get the production going quickly
2) Take over business functions that GM used to do
3) Geneva Auto Show will be important
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Victor. We won’t let you down!
VM:
1) Thanks to everyone who helped get this done
2) Support from Saab fans was amazing!
3) First 100 days, must begin to quickly execute the business plan
4) Thanks to the Swedes for helping save this iconic brand and the jobs behind it
Sigh….Victor just explains the profitability of the business plan model and then they turn to JaJ and ask the same question….as if they do not believe Victor!
I’m happy now
Swade, you can change the name of our facebook group, iwontbuyacarfromgm if they kill saab, etc. This is it! We all knew it would happen though, right? right?
Phew.
Yippee!!!
I’ve got tears in my eyes. This is such a great moment.
Now, let’s buy cars.
YEEHAAAA!!
Champagne everyone!!
Halleluja! There is a god! He’s name is Victor.
Yihaaaa
SAAB BORN BY JETS AND REBORN BY SPYKER.
Let’s party
2 Saablovers from Belgium ( flanders)
I heared the fist 7 minutes of it. it was maybe the third or fourth sentence when the word “community” was mentioned, don’t remember if it was JAJ or VM. That, along with Swade beging present, is a big recognition for all that’s been achieved here… A true revolution.
Actually a sad day for many Saab dealers in the US…. hopefully we will find out today how much time we have left as a Saab dealer. We are hoping for months not weeks or days. No floorplan financing…no Saab dealership…..
Today’s the day to rev up your Saab and take the long way home. This has been an incredible journey- a world of thanks to Mr. Muller for having faith and tenacity, to Steven for keeping us all in the loop and to the Saab community for rallying… this is one of the things Saab does best!
YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
SHOW THE WORLD WHAT SAAB CAN DO!!!!
TURBO UP!
Jeez, big news always comes form Sweden on Tuesdays. And Tuesdays are just not good nights for getting sloshed.
I’m on vacation, I can get sloshed allright…:-)
YEEHAAA!!!
What a glorious day. Champagne everyone!!
Thank you, Victor, J
It
Wonderful news!!! Thanks Swade for keeping us in the loop so fast!! Enjoy the champers!!
Griffin UP!!!!
I just gut the february release of the Hirsch performance Newsletter, where they also congratulate SAAB-Spyker for the acomplishment.
Congratulations!
Free @ last.
Yes, thank you GM!
I cannot help but (still) feel a bit disappointed with the Swedish press.
All their questions sound more or less like this to me: “There are some rumors that you are a crook and/or is up to no good. I cannot be bothered to check or investigate those rumors myself. Can’t you just tell me why you are a crook? Please answer before my deadline at 5pm.”
They seem to confuse negativity and rumor-mongering with journalism.
I’m not saying the situation is much better in other countries, but Swedish journalists are the first I have seen to celebrate their own negativity. That is just perverse. (I am referring to Robert Collins’ recent encounter with http://www.publicistklubben.se/ — here I was thinking that RC is a Volvo dude, and it turns out he is actually the one considered to be NICE towards Saab! Crazy world)
I suppose thanks are in order for GM…it’s been a ride and I’m glad you saw fit to sell. But great thanks to all involved in the Spyker deal and making this happen, including Swade. I do believe there will be another Saab in my future now.
Thank you Swade! You made this happen!
Without you … I don
Best wishes to all at Saab!
Thanks to VM! …and ok, thanks to GM too.
Thanks to Swade!
Griffin UP forever!!!
Next stop:
Geneva Motor Show
According to twitter they’re now in a live conference call with all dealers. There will be some corks popping tonight around the world
This is it. Against all odds. The Saab is here to stay. Saab: Hero! VM: Hero! JAJ: Hero! Steven: Hero! Saab workers: Hero!
Together we have achieved a great success. Here we go!
RJ (happy)
The sale is welcome news, cementing a new start for the future. This video could be the new announcement commercial in major markets, although I love it, it may be too costly to air the whole thing, so some editing may be needed. What a great soundtrack for the new SAAB. Start the comeback with this video, replacing the last 15 seconds about GM, with the announcement -
WE MADE IT. 23 February 2010. The future begins now…
Congratulations everyone!!!
WELCOME TO THE STATE OF INDEPENDENCE!!!
Well, then the dealers can certainly make their concerns known….and hopefully there is good news for them on that call.
Congratulations! The whole deal and the business plan gives the impression of a well thought out decision. Don
AMAZING!!!! Words can’t express it all…
Saab is free at last! Hooray!
Now I just need to see how my finances go… if I can afford a 9-5 in a year, a 9-3 in 2012, or a 9-1 in 2014… =X
Absolutley Brilliant news. Long live Saab!
Well, let us know how that conference call goes…
Griffin Up !!!!
Freedommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great news! And by the way: will get my new Saab 9-3 XWD (ordered in October 2009) tomorrow!
I never would have guessed it four years ago when I stumbled up TrollhattanSaab.net that this would take me on such a journey. A dude from Tasmania has affected the world.
I also never would have thought the first time that I read about Victor Muller that he would have been able to pull this off!
I am so glad that I can just bumble along and still have access to such great people lol.
Congrats to my fellow SAAB nuts and all of the affected dealers and employees.
Cowboy is Up!
Finally
Thanks to everyone
Imagine another crazy Kermit here… Griffin Up!
Vivaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Finally the dream comes true!!!!!
The video of the signing could make a great SAAB commercial. They could use that ‘Release Me’ song used on SAAB ads a couple of years back as the soundtrack.
So pleased and relieved that this transaction is now complete, there were times when I dreaded seeing the news when I logged onto SU, especially back in December .
Many thanks to Swade for keeping us all up to date even when all seemed lost. There is a man that really deserves the first production NG 9-5 off the line – or maybe even a special Swade Edition named after him. Could just imagine that, complete with lots of goodies from Hirsch!
Griffin UP
This is so good! I’ll pop the cork of the champagne as soon as I find it (it’s buried somewhere in the car in loads of packing)! =)
Finally, what a great day.
Sa’Day!
Bravo. I wish I could drink some champagne, but it’s too early in the day here!
HURRA !!!!
Congrats on SAAB ans Spyker!! now we need a good Marketing Team to get the Word out on the NEW SAAB!
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hoo…bloody…ray!
Hip Hip Hooray!!
Sierra Alpha Alpha Bravo is clear for take-off!
Well done to everyone and
actually you know what – i agree. interesting that they were happy and overjoyed to sell as well
that’s going on my 900 right now!
My first SAAB ride in 1972 was an exciting and eventful day. Now, eight SAABs later, this day is now the most exciting and most eventful day in my “SAAB Lifetime.”
Thank you Victor, Jan Ake, and of course Swade. You did it, we did it, SAAB Lives – indeed.
yeaahh!!!!!!!!!!!!
i feel saab/victor/spyker are going to make waves in the industry. so pumped. thanks swade for being super cool too.
Thank you Swade for giving us hope and representing us Saab enthusiasts so well, and congratulations to Spyker, Saab, GM and the Swedish government for pulling this off.
Let the Future start.
Oh Yessssssssssssssssss!! What a great day this is!!
S.I.D=24TH February 2010. Big UP all The Saabsti!!
So Long GM!!…Helloooo Saab Spyker Cars!!!
I am so happy! A stone has been lifted from my heart, good work everyone and bestwishes for Saab! I read today in AMS sweden that SAAB 9-5 is the 3 most popular family car according to their owners and that saab 9-3 is more popular amongst European owners than volvo. AMS concludes that Saab is more loved than volvo and that it is a small miracle considering that the poll was done in december when Saab was dead…
Go Saab!
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