China's Geely takes stake in Proton, Lotus

Chinese auto giant Geely on Wednesday announced it was taking a 49.9 percent stake in Malaysia's troubled Proton as well as a 51 percent share in British sports car brand Lotus.

Proton's parent DRB-HICOM said the deal would enable Southeast Asia's first auto brand to tap Geely's technology and access existing markets of the Chinese manufacturer.

The financial terms were not disclosed.

Malaysia's Second Finance Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said in a speech at an event announcing the deal that DRB-HICOM initially invited 15 global auto players to bid to become a foreign strategic partner.

Eight were shortlisted, after which the list was whittled down to five and further down to three in the final phase, he said without naming the companies.

In February French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen expressed interest in taking a stake in Proton after the Malaysian firm announced it was seeking an overseas partner.

"Our intention was always to ensure the revitalisation of the Proton nameplate," said DRB-HICOM group managing director Syed Faisal Albar.

"It was Malaysia's first national car brand and has more than 30 years of history. This deal will be the catalyst to elevate a brand that Malaysians resonate with."

Geely Holding also owns Volvo Car Corporation and The London Taxi Company.

In a statement, Geely Holding said it would acquire a majority share of 51 percent of Lotus from Proton. Both parties expect to sign the "definitive agreement" for the deals before the end of July.

"This agreement lays the foundation for a wider framework for both Geely Holding and Proton and Lotus to explore joint synergies in areas such as R&D (research and development), manufacturing and market presence," Geely said in a statement.

Proton was formed in 1983 by then-premier Mahathir Mohamad as part of an ambitious national industrialisation plan, but has suffered from a reputation for unimaginative models and shoddy quality.

With government support, Proton initially dominated the domestic market but subsequently struggled with making profits, and hopes of marketing the vehicle as the "ASEAN car" fizzled out.