Union game for Tata takeover of Jaguar and Land Rover
23 Feb 2008
Mumbai: A labour union representing Ford workers in the UK has offered support to Tata's planned acquisition of the British luxury brands, Jaguar and Land Rover.
The Tata is said to be around $2 billion for the two luxury brands.
The Unite union said it had constructive talks with Tata Motors over the latter's planned acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover brands of Ford Motor Co.
"We are confident that our members' long-term future is best served by Tata," said Dave Osborne, national secretary for the union.
He said Tata had assured union officials that it would continue to use engines manufactured at Ford's British manufacturing facilities.
Ford factories in south Wales and Dagenham in London make engines for Jaguar and Land Rovers.
"They totally ruled out offloading Jaguar or building Land Rovers in India," Osborne said, adding, his union, however, still needs some clarifications from Ford.
Ford, which was in talks with Tata Motors, also reiterated there had been good progress in discussions with Tata and it was still expecting an agreement early in 2008.
Ford, however, hasn't ruled out a deal with the two other bidders - Mahindra & Mahindra and private equity group OneEquity, owned by former Ford CEC Jacques Nasser.
The Unite union represents about 12,000 workers at Land Rover and Jaguar factories.
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