International Dealer News IDN 148 April/May 2019 | Page 17

news ROOM Pierer Industrie in discussions for Bajaj Auto's KTM AG stake to transfer into KTM Industries AG The ownership structure of KTM in Austria is a pyramid, with Stefan Pierer's Pierer Industrie AG holding approximately 62% of the shares of its subsidiary, KTM Industries AG. In turn, KTM Industries AG holds approximately 51.7% of the shares of another subsidiary, KTM AG, the company that actually manufactures KTM (and Husqvarna) motorcycles – with Indian conglomerate Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV holding the other (approximately) 48% of the shares of KTM AG. The news coming out of the group is of discussions about the possibility of transferring Bajaj’s 48% stake in KTM AG up a level to KTM Industries AG, with the Pierer Group continuing to retain the controlling majority ownership share in KTM Industries AG. The second quarter of 2019 is being targeted as a date by which a decision as whether or not such a transaction will take place should be taken – the two parties are currently evaluating the idea in detail. If Pierer Industrie AG and Bajaj do decide to execute the transaction, KTM Industries AG will examine the legal and economic requirements and conditions of a capital increase by contribution in kind from the existing authorised capital of the company. The authorised capital enables a capital increase of up to 50% of the existing share capital. If the transaction is executed, the stake in KTM AG held by KTM Industries AG will increase from the current 51.7% to approximately 99.7%. Yamaha Motor makes strategic investment in 'Grab' ride-hailing service Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. and Grab Holding Inc., Southeast Asia’s leading online-to-offline (O2O) platform, have announced that they are to form a strategic partnership to collaborate in a motorcycle ride-hailing service within Southeast Asia, with a focus on Indonesia. As part of the partnership agreement, Yamaha Motor will invest US$150 million in Grab. Through this partnership, Yamaha Motor and Grab aim to "develop next- generation mobility services by implementing solutions and innovations which leverage Yamaha Motor’s technology and know-how in motorcycle safety and to lower the barriers to motorcycle purchase for those engaged in (or considering engaging in) motorcycle ride-hailing". As part of their 2030 long-term vision, this partnership "leverages robotics technology, addresses social issues through initiatives and promotes innovations in mobility to expand the field of human potential and create a better society and lifestyles". Yamaha Motor also aims to leverage Grab’s customer base in Southeast Asia and knowledge of the motorcycle ride-hailing business for future product development. Grab is one of the most frequently used mobile O2O platforms in Southeast Asia. The Grab app has been downloaded onto over 125 million mobile devices, giving users access to over 8 million drivers, merchants and agents. Grab has the region’s largest land transportation fleet, has completed over 2.5 billion rides since its founding in 2012 and offers the widest range of on-demand transport services, in addition to food and package delivery services, across 235 cities in eight countries. INTERNATIONAL DEALER NEWS - APRIL/MAY 2019 17