The economic downturn is in the process of claiming famed Italian design house and coachbuilder Pininfarina as its latest victim. The automobile design marque is currently owned by parent company Pincar. Pininfarina’s 50.7% stake is up for grabs and Pincar has already hired a bank to help find potential buyers.
According to unconfirmed reports, Pincar is not willing to let go of its complete stake. It is also being reported that the sale of its majority stake in Pininfarina is an outcome of a debt agreement with banks towards the end of 2008.
One name that is currently doing the rounds as a potential buyer is Tata Motors. Pininfarina had earlier designed the Tata Indica and the lately the Prima concept car. Tata Motors which is on a brand acquisition spree, has already bought Jaguar and Land Rover and it is likely that the Italian design marque may also be in its kitty.
Pinninfarina has collaborated with various automobile manufacturers in the designing of cars. Some of its well know creations like the Ferrari California and 599 GTB, Alfa Romeo Spider, Maserati Grantourismo and Quattroporte, which are currently in production.
