Aston Martin Lagonda and Mercedes-Benz AG

Aston Martin Lagonda Glob.Hldgs PLC

26 June 2023

 

26 June 2023

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc

Aston Martin Lagonda and Mercedes-Benz AG announce amendment and restatement of Strategic Co-operation Agreement

·      Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz AG to continue long-term strategic co-operation, supporting the delivery of current and future generation Aston Martin vehicles

·      Amendment and restatement of the Strategic Co-operation Agreement ("SCA") will see the original agreement to issue additional Aston Martin shares to Mercedes-Benz in exchange for access to further technology replaced with a restated commitment to the existing strategic collaboration allowing the parties to discuss future access to technology for cash

·      No further consideration shares, or related cash top up payments, will be issued or paid to Mercedes-Benz under the SCA

·      Mercedes-Benz to remain a long-term strategic partner and c.9% shareholder in Aston Martin and to retain current representation on the Aston Martin Board of Directors

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc ("Aston Martin", "Aston Martin Lagonda" or the "Company") and Mercedes-Benz AG) ("MBAG" or "Mercedes") today announce that they have agreed to amend and restate the Strategic Co-operation Agreement ("SCA"), originally entered into on 27 October 2020.

As previously announced by the Company, the SCA provided the Company with access to a wide range of MBAG's technology, in consideration for which Aston Martin agreed to issue consideration shares in at least two tranches by no later than July 2024. The second of these tranches currently remains unissued. The amendment agreed between the parties today will see the agreement to issue this second tranche of consideration shares replaced with a restated commitment to the existing strategic collaboration between Aston Martin and MBAG in connection with the potential future supply of MBAG technology to Aston Martin, payable for in cash.

Mercedes-Benz AG will continue to provide Aston Martin with access to a range of world-class technologies, including powertrain and electric/electronic architectures for current and future generation Aston Martin vehicles, including internal combustion engine, hybrid and electric vehicles.

Underscoring the continued long-term partnership between the Company and MBAG, the Relationship Agreement entered into between them on 27 October 2020 will remain in place, in accordance with which MBAG will retain representation on the Aston Martin Board of Directors. MBAG likewise preserves its shareholding in the Company, which on the date of this announcement represents approximately 9.4% of the Company's issued share capital.

The Company also this morning separately announces its intention to form a strategic supply agreement with Lucid Group, Inc. ("Lucid") to provide Aston Martin with access to Lucid's industry-leading technology for Aston Martin's battery electric vehicles. As part of the amendment and restatement of the SCA, MBAG has waived any rights or obligations (including any termination rights) under the SCA that may have otherwise arisen in connection with the proposed partnership with Lucid.

Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin, said: "I am delighted to continue our long-term partnership with Mercedes-Benz and appreciate their ongoing support of Aston Martin. This amendment provides clarity and will see both companies continue our long-standing relationship, providing us with access to Mercedes' world-class technologies as we bring our new range of breathtaking products to market over the coming years."

Franz Reiner, Non-Executive Director and Mercedes-Benz AG Representative, said: "As a long-term shareholder, Mercedes-Benz supports Aston Martin's future development as an independent luxury carmaker. Today's revised cooperation agreement is the best of both worlds: It ensures that Aston Martin continues to have access to a wide range of Mercedes-Benz technologies, while at the same time giving the iconic British carmaker the opportunity to explore new opportunities which fit its specific needs."

Regulatory Disclosures

This announcement includes inside information as defined in Article 7 of the UK Market Abuse Regulation No. 596/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and is being released on behalf of the Company by Liz Miles, Company Secretary.

Enquiries

Investors and Analysts
Sherief Bakr	Director of Investor Relations	[phone] [e-mail]
Holly Grainger	Deputy Head, Investor Relations	[phone] [e-mail]
Media
Kevin Watters	Director of Communications	[phone] [e-mail]
Paul Garbett	Head of Corporate and Brand Communications	[phone] [e-mail]
Edward Taylor	Head of Business and Finance Communications, Mercedes-Benz Group AG	[phone] [e-mail]
Teneo
Harry Cameron		[phone]

 

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