VW Prepares Porsche IPO In One Of Europe's Biggest Listings

Volkswagen was nearing the finish line Wednesday as it readied the sale of shares in luxury carmaker Porsche ahead of an expected market listing that will rank among the largest such offerings in European history, David McHugh reported for Associated Press (AP).

Photo Insert: The transaction values Porsche as a whole at around 75 billion euros, compared with 86 billion euros for all of Volkswagen.

The German automaker estimates the deal could reap as much as 9.5 billion euros ($9.08 billion) that it can use for its push into software, services, and electric and autonomous vehicles in line with the shifting focus of the global auto industry.

Late Wednesday, Volkswagen priced the offering at 82.50 euros a share — at the top end of its estimated range.

The shares are expected to start trading Thursday. The deal enables Volkswagen to tap into investor interest in Porsche, whose fat profit margins of 15% to 20% on vehicles like the 911 sports car and Cayenne SUV are far above the single-digit profits common to mass-market automobiles.

The proceeds will help pay for Volkswagen’s “massive” investments in revamping factories and research and development, said Christian Stadler, professor of strategic management at Warwick Business School.

“They need money, and electrification is super expensive,” Stadler said. “And when we look ahead, it’s getting more and more expensive to simply borrow money” as interest rates rise. Stadler said Volkswagen was also likely mindful of the successful 2015 offering of a minority stake in luxury carmaker Ferrari.

The transaction values Porsche as a whole at around 75 billion euros, compared with 86 billion euros for all of Volkswagen, including Porsche and its nine other auto brands, before the deal.

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