Chrysler--a Likeable Roundheels--Will Sell Itself to Anyone
G.M. Held Merger Talks With Ford Before Chrysler
By BILL VLASIC
DETROIT — Before General Motors began exploring a possible merger with Chrysler — talks that first came to light on Friday — G.M. proposed a similar deal with its other cross-town rival, the Ford Motor Company, two people with knowledge of the talks said Saturday.
G.M. executives approached Ford about a possible merger in July, but Ford rejected the idea and ended the discussions last month, these people said.
After Ford decided to remain independent amid an increasingly difficult auto market, G.M. turned its attention to Chrysler. For the last month, it has been in preliminary merger talks with Chrysler’s owner, the private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management.
______________________________________________________________
The question of course is whether these two newlyweds can get themselves to the church ahead of the bankruptcy court. Neither of them spring chickens, the financial world may …