FCA Acknowledges Regular Strategy Reviews

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV has fueled further speculation the company may spin off some of its businesses by noting that its regularly reviews strategic proposals.

The company also reiterates that its policy is not to comment on market rumors about possible deals.

Media reports suggest FCA is mulling plans to spin off its Alfa Romeo and Maserati luxury brands and could announce a deal by year-end to sell its Magneti Marelli components business. Other reports speculate that FCA also might shed its Comau industrial machinery and Teksid metal castings businesses.

Similar reports have surfaced before. But the rumor mill picked up pace this week when China’s Great Wall Motor Co. declared (and then retracted) plans to buy FCA’s iconic Jeep SUV brand.

Last month CEO Sergio Marchionne acknowledged that the company might spin off some businesses to help pay down debt and make itself more attractive as a merger target. Marchionne, who is 65, is preparing a new five-year business plan for FCA before he retires in 2019.