Renault slams brakes on listing of Ampere EV division

Renault slams brakes on listing of Ampere EV division

Renault had wanted to spin off its electric vehicle unit into Ampere, hoping that running it as a separate company would make it more agile in the rapidly developing sector
Renault had wanted to spin off its electric vehicle unit into Ampere, hoping that running it as a separate company would make it more agile in the rapidly developing sector. Photo: Lou BENOIST / AFP/File
Source: AFP

French automaker Renault said Monday that it was halting the initial public offering of its EV unit Ampere, saying market conditions were unfavourable to list the company's shares.

In a sweeping overhaul unveiled in 2022, Renault decided to split off its electric vehicle unit into Ampere, hoping that running it as a separate company would make it more agile in the rapidly developing sector.

Ampere launched in November 2023 and plans were to list the unit's shares on the stock exchange in the first half of 2024 at an estimated valuation of eight to 10 billion euros, or as much as Renault.

Although leading European and US stock indices are flirting with record highs, the carmaker said it was pulling the IPO.

"Renault Group considers that the current equity market conditions are not met to optimally pursue the IPO process in the best interests of Renault Group, its shareholders and Ampere," the company said.

Read also

Historic German store KaDeWe files for insolvency

"Therefore, considering both current equity market conditions and stronger cash generation, Renault Group has decided to cancel the Ampere IPO process," it added.

PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!

While Renault chief executive Luca de Meo said at the end of last year that the IPO was intended to bring in fresh money to fund development, the company said Monday that its strategic plan was self-funded and that its 2023 results would show that it could generate sufficient cash flow to finance Ampere's development.

The company pointed to its recent improved performance.

"It offers the group greater flexibility and all the freedom of action it needs," Renault said.

The carmaker has ambitions plans for Ampere, aiming for it to sell around 300,000 vehicles in 2025 and one million in 2031, or about half the number the automaker sold throughout the world in 2022.

Read also

Philips stops selling sleep devices in US amid recall woes

Renault also plans for Ampere to become profitable in 2025.

The carmaker said the cancellation of the IPO would have no impact on its financial outlook or investment plans.

Source: AFP

Authors:
AFP avatar

AFP AFP text, photo, graphic, audio or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. AFP news material may not be stored in whole or in part in a computer or otherwise except for personal and non-commercial use. AFP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions in any AFP news material or in transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages whatsoever. As a newswire service, AFP does not obtain releases from subjects, individuals, groups or entities contained in its photographs, videos, graphics or quoted in its texts. Further, no clearance is obtained from the owners of any trademarks or copyrighted materials whose marks and materials are included in AFP material. Therefore you will be solely responsible for obtaining any and all necessary releases from whatever individuals and/or entities necessary for any uses of AFP material.