Lear Corp.'s five-year credit default swaps tightened 100 basis points to 410-420 on market expectation the company will close imminently on a deal to create a joint venture with Wilbur Ross for Lear's North American interiors business.
Lear has already formed a joint venture with Ross for its European interiors business. In September, it signed an agreement to contribute the assets of its European business to Ross' International Automotive Components Group, a business formed by Ross in 2005 (CIN, 9/29). Lear received a one-third equity interest in the joint venture in return for the contribution of the assets. In a release the company said it continues to make progress towards a similar solution for its North American business.
Ross is not the only billionaire investor to show interest in Lear. On Oct. 17, the company announced Carl Icahn had invested $200 million in the business. Lear will use the proceeds from the offering for strategic investments and for increased financial and operating flexibility.
Last week, Lear reported a $65.9 million pre-tax loss for the third quarter, compared with a $787.8 million pre-tax loss a year earlier. Net loss for the third quarter was $74 million, compared with $750 million for the same period last year. Ross declined comment.
A spokeswoman said Lear is in talks with Ross regarding a deal, but declined to comment on the details of those talks or a probable outcome.