Nissan Prepared to Reject Honda's Acquisition Proposal

Deal News | Feb 05, 2025 | EIN

Nissan Prepared to Reject Honda's Acquisition Proposal

Nissan Motor Co. is set to reject Honda Motor Co.’s acquisition proposal, risking the cancellation of merger discussions that might establish a significant alliance between the two automotive giants. According to an insider, a board meeting at Nissan is slated to decide on this matter soon, with a high likelihood of rejecting the offer. Nissan’s valuation pales in comparison to Honda’s $47 billion, which is nearly five times higher, making Nissan a subsidiary if accepted. Some senior Nissan officials, however, are supportive of accepting Honda’s proposal. Despite this ongoing uncertainty, stock movements have shown Honda rising up to 3.2% and Nissan increasing by 2.7% in Tokyo. Talks, which were first announced in December, have faced delays with both companies aiming to finalize negotiations by June and list shares in a joint holding company by August 2026. French carmaker Renault, owning a 36% stake in Nissan, has voiced concerns and is seeking a premium in the transaction. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors has opted to abstain from joining this potential alliance.

Sectors

  • Automotive
  • Mergers and Acquisitions

Geography

  • Japan – Both Nissan and Honda are headquartered in Japan, and the article revolves around corporate decisions taking place in the country.
  • France – Renault, a French company with a significant ownership stake in Nissan, is a participant in the developments.

Industry

  • Automotive – The article focuses on two major automotive companies, Nissan and Honda, and their potential merger discussions.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions – The discussion of Honda's intention to acquire Nissan and the ongoing merger talks classify the article under the M&A sector.

Financials

  • $47 billion – The valuation of Honda Motor Co., which is nearly five times higher than Nissan's.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
Nissan Motor Co.Target companyCompanyJapanese multinational automobile manufacturer, the target of Honda’s acquisition proposal.
Honda Motor Co.Bidding CompanyCompanyJapanese public multinational conglomerate corporation known primarily as a manufacturer of automobiles, perceived as the acquirer in this potential merger.
Renault SAMajor ShareholderCompanyFrench multinational automobile manufacturer, holding a 36% stake in Nissan and involved in the transaction discussions.
Mitsubishi Motors Corp.Potential Alliance MemberCompanyAnother Japanese automaker that has decided not to join the Honda-Nissan merger alliance.