Invest firm acquires Morgan Motor Company
Investindustrial has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in Morgan Motor Company Ltd. The transaction is expected to complete in April 2019.
The Morgan family will continue to act as stewards for the brand and retains a minority shareholding.
Meanwhile, for the first time in its history, the management team and all employees will become shareholders in the business.
The investment is executed without financial debt, and Morgan will have a positive net cash position upon closing of the transaction.
As part of the transaction, and as a sign of its long-term faith in the company and the wider British automotive sector, Investindustrial will support Morgan to accelerate new product development, increase global distribution and broaden customers’ experience with unique events.
Morgan will continue to focus on its niche classic segment within the automotive sector, with bespoke manufacturing, hand-built products, and the use of ash remaining central to its strategy. Investindustrial will work closely with current management and the wider Morgan family to make sure that future development of the business will be respectful of and remain true to the company’s unique heritage.
Dominic Riley, Chairman, Morgan Motor Company, commented, ‘The past two years have been the most successful in our company’s 110-year history. However, to really fulfil Morgan’s full potential and secure our long-term future, both the family and management team, felt it was essential to bring in a strategic partner. A partner that shares our vision for Morgan and has the expertise, financial resources and track record of success in the automotive world, to make it happen. That partner is Investindustrial.’
Jill Price, Peter Morgan’s daughter and longest serving Morgan family director added, ‘Having very carefully considered all options for the future success of Morgan, the family concluded that this new ownership structure and Mr Bonomi and Investindustrial, have the pedigree and resources to secure the long-term future of Morgan. It was important for the family to retain a shareholding, and we are delighted that our loyal management team and workforce will now also have a stake in the business.’
Andrea C. Bonomi, chairman of the Industrial Advisory Board, said, ‘Morgan is one of the most famous names in the automotive world. Morgan’s handmade British sports cars are true icons of the industry. We have followed the company and seen its progress for some time and see significant potential for Morgan to develop internationally whilst retaining its hand-built heritage, which is at the heart of the Morgan Motor Company.’
Steve Morris, CEO, Morgan Motor Company, commented, ‘The future is bright for Morgan. We are coming off the back of two record years. We have an all-new vehicle architecture and powertrain, and have just launched the most dynamically capable Morgan yet, the exciting new Plus Six at the Geneva International Motor Show. Now we have the best possible owner and partner to take the business to the next level and develop Morgan’s global potential.’
