Tata may sell stake in JLR, UK steel plant as talks with British govt fail

Tatas looking for partners in JLR, Steel unit may go lock, stock and barrel

This report has been updated to incorporate a subsequent development

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With Tata Group’s talks with the British government on a financial rescue package failing, the conglomerate has to look for a strategic partner for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and sell its UK steel plant lock, stock, and barrel. A former director of Tata Steel and Tata Motors said with the European operations of both companies bleeding the finances of their parent companies, the group would have to come up with a solution soon.

“I will not rule out a stake sale in JLR and selling the UK steel operations. Talks with ThyssenKrupp on the merger of Tata Steel’s European operations are taking a lot of time, which is bad news,” he said.

A Tata Motors spokesman said JLR was in regular discussion with the British government on many matters.

 

“At this stage, there is not a programme considered appropriate for JLR. We recently announced our results for the first quarter and have indicated we are maintaining solid liquidity despite the pandemic. Our business remains strong as we transition to electrified, autonomous, and connected technologies to support our Destination Zero ambition,” said the spokesman.

 

 

A Tata Steel spokesperson said the firm was in ongoing and constructive talks with the UK government on areas of potential support. “Since these discussions have not reached a conclusion, it would be premature to comment on any options that may or may not be under consideration,” he said.

In July, Liberty House, a company promoted by Sanjeev Gupta, had evinced an interest on collaborating with Tata Steel for its Port Talbot (UK) plant.

The condition of JLR is alarming as the British subsidiary has lost £1 billion in the first six months of 2020. The pandemic has resulted in lower sales across the world. Tata Group had initiated talks on a possible stake sale even before the pandemic, but no 

decision was taken. 

 

JLR employs 30,000 in the UK, while Tata Steel has 8,000 on its rolls. The group had sought a financial package from the British government as part of the latter’s efforts to help local companies. The talks, however, failed on the government’s stiff conditions, including asking JLR to produce more electric vehicles than diesel vehicles.

Just before the pandemic struck, global brokerage Bernstein had said that JLR could fetch a valuation of £9 billion. This was after news reports surfaced in foreign media that BMW was interested in buying a stake in JLR.

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With inputs from Ishita Ayan Dutt

A CLARIFICATION

Here is the full statement issued by Tata Motors on August 17:

Unconfirmed and unsubstantiated reports have been published by some media alleging that Tata Motors may sell stake in Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
 
Tata Motors categorically denies and dismisses any such intent. Jaguar Land Rover is and remains a key pillar of Tata Motors and the wider Tata Group.
 
We recently announced our results for Q1 and have indicated that we are maintaining solid liquidity despite the Covid-19 pandemic and expect to be cash positive from Q2 onwards.
 
Jaguar Land Rover business remains strong as it transitions to new electrified, autonomous and connected technologies to support its Destination Zero ambition.