Kerkorian aide: Ford should sell brands
A top aide to billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian says Ford Motor Co. should sell its Volvo and Mercury brands.
Jerry York tells Automotive News for a story Thursday he sees no reason for keeping them. York says he’s confident in Ford’s turnaround plan and thinks the automaker will put Volvo on the market within 1 1/2 years.
Kerkorian disclosed Monday that he acquired a 4.7% stake in Ford and hoped to boost his holdings. His investment company plans to make an offer for up to 20 million additional shares at $8.50 a share.
Ford (F, Fortune 500) spokesman Mark Truby told The Associated Press on Friday that Volvo isn’t for sale and that the company is investing in Mercury savings account payday advance. But he said the automaker continues to evaluate its portfolio.