In Vendita: FCA's Magneti Marelli Could Be Sold, Not Spun Off

In a story that’s been developing for some time now, Fiat Chrysler is inching closer to shedding its component supplier, Magneti Marelli.

According to a report, a private equity firm is reportedly in talks with the automaker to buy the parts business. This is a shift in direction for FCA which, in the past, was seemingly focused on spinning off Magneti Marelli rather than completing an outright sale.

The Wall Street Journal reports that an American buyout firm called KKR & Co. is in talks with FCA. The parts biz is estimated to be worth anywhere between $3.5 billion and $6.0 billion, depending on which analyst you ask. Whatever the sale price, it would be a large infusion of cash into the company’s coffers.

Mention of Calsonic was also uncovered by the WSJ during its research into KKR. Sound familiar? It should. Calsonic Kansei Corporation is a Japanese automotive parts company that has 58 manufacturing centers around the globe. The purchase of Magneti Marelli would create an auto parts giant and would likely lead to, erm, consolidation both from production and design considerations as there would be a measure of overlap with which to deal.

Sergio Marchionne was well-known for boldly stating his desire for alliance in the auto industry, as anyone with even the shortest of short-term memories will recall. Three years ago, he made major overtures to complete an FCA-GM merger, citing the ruinous financial wastage thanks to the duplication of models, technology, and R & D. The man had a point.

Sans Magneti Marelli, FCA would be an easier pitch, not unlike when a homeowner who is trying to sell their house tears down a handy but expensive-to-keep shed that was scaring away all potential buyers. Sure, the shed was useful but its additional maintenance costs made the entire package less attractive.

At this year’s Capital Markets Day, the company spelled out a five-year plan (one of many over the years) that appeared to blatantly ignore some of its brands while putting others to the fore. Any potential suitor for FCA would undoubtedly be taking it on for the crown jewel, Jeep. The absence of Magneti Marelli may be seen as a plus by some prospective purchasers.

Who would want to buy the joint? Speculation ranges from the PSA Group to Korean interests. A tie-up with PSA would give that company, which hopes to regain a foothold in America, an instant dealer network and all manner of local inroads. As for the Koreans, access to FCA’s successful crossover and SUV portfolio would do wonders to bolster their offerings in those segments.

Magneti Marelli manufactures numerous automotive components, from lighting to powertrain parts to electronics, and employs roughly 43,000 workers in 19 countries. Dozens of manufacturing plants exist under its umbrella. Started as a joint venture between Fiat and Ercole Marelli in 1919, the company officially became a Fiat subsidiary in 1967.