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Porsche proposes VW 'integration' Porsche proposes VW 'integration'
(10 minutes later)
Carmaker Porsche has proposed closer ties with fellow German manufacturer Volkswagen Group after weeks of talks between the two firms' management.Carmaker Porsche has proposed closer ties with fellow German manufacturer Volkswagen Group after weeks of talks between the two firms' management.
The luxury carmaker said in a statement that it wanted to see the "creation of an integrated car manufacturing group".The luxury carmaker said in a statement that it wanted to see the "creation of an integrated car manufacturing group".
Talks will now take place between the two carmakers, VW's home state of Lower Saxony, and employee representatives.Talks will now take place between the two carmakers, VW's home state of Lower Saxony, and employee representatives.
Porsche said it hoped there would be progress in talks with VW - Europe's biggest carmaker - within four weeks.Porsche said it hoped there would be progress in talks with VW - Europe's biggest carmaker - within four weeks.
Brand independenceBrand independence
The move would unite 10 brands under one roof, Porsche said.The move would unite 10 brands under one roof, Porsche said.
Nine of the brands are owned by VW, and the other is the Porsche sports car brand.Nine of the brands are owned by VW, and the other is the Porsche sports car brand.
"In the final structure 10 brands shall stand below an integrative leading company alongside each other, whereby the independence of all brands and explicitly also of Porsche shall be ensured," a Porsche statement said."In the final structure 10 brands shall stand below an integrative leading company alongside each other, whereby the independence of all brands and explicitly also of Porsche shall be ensured," a Porsche statement said.
It also said that its plan would also include unspecified "capital measures".It also said that its plan would also include unspecified "capital measures".
'VW law''VW law'
In January, Porsche announced it had increased its stake in Volkswagen to more than 50%, and said it planned to lift its stake in VW to 75%.In January, Porsche announced it had increased its stake in Volkswagen to more than 50%, and said it planned to lift its stake in VW to 75%.
That ambition was reported to have been dropped by Porsche before it made its new move on integration.That ambition was reported to have been dropped by Porsche before it made its new move on integration.
However, even with a 75% stake it would not have been able to take complete control as the "VW law" allows the state of Saxony, which holds 20%, to block strategic decisions.However, even with a 75% stake it would not have been able to take complete control as the "VW law" allows the state of Saxony, which holds 20%, to block strategic decisions.
Stock markets had closed before the announcement, with Porsche shares up 1.2%, and VW's down slightly, by 0.4%.