General Motors has appointed a partner to help it wind down Saab - but it has stressed it will continue negotiating to sell the company.
In a short statement, GM confirmed it had enlisted the services of AlixPartners to help it carry out an orderly winding down of Saab.
"The use of a wind down supervisor is a commonly-used process in Sweden and works in the interest of the shareholder,” said the statement.
“The wind down process is expected to take several months, and will ensure that employees, dealers and suppliers are adequately protected. As stated previously, Saab customers can be assured that warranties will continue to be honoured and that service and spare parts will continue to be available.”
GM said it was continuing to evaluate several offers it had received by Saab, and the appointment of AlixPartners was nothing to do with this evaluation.
Separate reports suggest that Saab's board has also voted to wind down the company, although again this does not mean the company cannot be sold.
Bernie Ecclestone has joined forces with Luxembourg-based private equity firm Genii Capital to launch the most high profile bid for Saab, while Dutch sports car firm Spyker has also confirmed it has made a bid. Two Swedish groups are also rumoured to have made bids before yesterday’s deadline.
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