Saab Deal at Risk Due to Koenigsegg Investors Pulling Out

The Koenigsegg - Saab deal is now at risk due to some rumors that investors who backed the Swedish sports car manufacturer might intend to pull out of negotiations. Nobody knows exactly why but it appears the Swedish government is already investigating the speculations, according to an official involved in the talks. Meanwhile, negotiations between Koenigsegg and General Motors continue, a Koenigsegg spokeswoman said.

"We have received some information, yes, saying that," Joran Hagglund, state secretary for Sweden's industry ministry, was quoted as saying by Reuters. "We haven't managed to confirm it ourselves with Koenigsegg. We are keen to get this confirmed and are chasing them."

Koenigsegg refused to comment on the reports but a spokeswoman said negotiations between the two sides are going according to the plan.

"Ownership questions are detailed information that I don't have the possibility to comment on today," she said. "What I can say is that our negotiations with GM are proceeding according to plan."

Saab, which is currently operating under protection, reached a deal with Koenigsegg in mid June. The sports car manufacturer will support the ailing carmaker launch new products and assist it in remaining in business without relying on massive cost cuts measures. Additionally, under the terms of the deal, the European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide $600 million financing with state guarantee by the Swedish government, but additional support will also come from the luxury sports car manufacturer.

“The proposed agreement will enable us to maximize the brand’s potential through an exciting new product line-up with a distinctly Swedish character. Today’s announcement is great news for Saab’s current and future customers, dealers, suppliers and employees around the globe," said Jan Åke Jonsson, Managing Director of Saab Automobile AB, at the time of reaching the deal.