Sources close to the possible deal involving Daimler and truckmaker Kamaz say that the carmaker is in the market to potentially increase its stake from 10, to 25 percent. Daimler is in talks with the Moscow investment bank, Troika Dialog, to buy shares in Kamaz that would give Daimler an additional 15 percent ownership stake.
With the leaked news of the brewing deal Kamaz shares have risen 4.1 percent – putting the total value of the truckmaker at 51.8 billion rubles ($1.8 billion). At the current value, Troika Dialog’s share is valued at $270 million, which is similar to the price Daimler paid in late 2008 for a 10 percent stake in Kamaz.
Combined, Daimler and Troika Dialog own a 44 percent stake in Kamaz, and at this time have not yet determined a valuation for the stake. Prior to the recent surge in Kamaz’ stock price, several Russian media outlets speculated that the 15 percent stake could fetch somewhere in the neighborhood of $300 to $320 million.
In a discussion with Reuters, VTB analyst Valdimir Bespalov said, “If Daimler becomes a stronger strategic partner it would be good news for Kamaz – it would bring access to Daimler’s new technology and the benefit of building Daimler models in Russia.”
Neither Daimler or Kamaz have released any public statements in regards to the potential sale of stock as of Tuesday.
11/24, 10:29 AM
posted by:
reedfast
cool truck
11/24, 10:49 AM
posted by:
excrement_between_my_toes
One thing Russians are great at building (besides machine guns and awsome fighter jets) is trucks. I only heard of these trucks when I started watching the Paris to Dakar ralley and seeing these giant monsters move over all kinds of terrain and getting airborne over sand dunes is an amazing site. This is a wise move for Mercedes. Kamaz trucks are built to last forever and are the only trucks that can handle -60 degree arctic weather all the way up to sahara hot desert heat without modifications.
11/24, 11:05 AM
posted by:
cocksterS
I want the truck in that picture. Pertect for zombie apocalypses
11/24, 11:30 AM
posted by:
05Z88Path
@ excrement_between_my_toes
I have a lot of respect for these trucks as well after watching coverage of the Paris to Dakar rally over the last several years. Trucks by Kamaz and Tatra (companies I’d never heard of) with incredible offroad performance. Wish we could have some over here in the states! The closest thing is, ironically, the Unimog by Mercedes (which is pretty freaking cool too).
11/24, 11:50 AM
posted by:
orangecones
Russian trucks are substantially better than russian cars, but, if you can afford id, you’d rather buy something from europe/japan/america. Russians hate russian cars. Most russians would rather drive a 5-10 year old BMW or Toyota than a brand new russian car.
THat said, I know M-B wants to break into the russian market (beyond the new rich in moscow that is who are already eating up M-Bs at record pace), and I don’t blame them, but I would rather them not try to badge/platform engineer any of that stuff at other markets, US included.
11/24, 12:37 PM
posted by:
excrement_between_my_toes
^^ I agree, why can’t the Russians build amazing cars? They’re very good at making awsome trucks. Kamaz should start building some sweet stylish SUV’s for the civilian market. Can you imagine driving down beverly hills in some hot new black KAMAZ with 22″ gunmetal grey wheels. The Russians are capable of making products that would be appealing to the elite market. I have a Soviet era watch made of titanium, very beautiful watch and everyone drools over it and asks me where they could get one. I think Russian products can become the new chic thing for the American market, they just have to market it. Russian cars, they can keep that way over there in Russia, no thanks!
11/24, 2:20 PM
posted by:
scratchy
Russians made some really nice things during the Soviet era. the main reason why they remained behind after the Soviet fall is that their top scientists left the country and the Russian businessmen/politicians are more interested in plundering the country’s natural resources than to bring the scientists back and invest in technology. same can be told about all countries from the Eastern Block.
11/24, 2:59 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
But does it have a Hemi?