(autoinsidernews) - The list of potential buyers for Aston Martin continues to grow, with more than 30 suitors interested in the legendary brand. The fierce competition, and potential bidding war, could push the price tag for Aston up to ВЈ1 billion ($1.9 billion) twice the initial estimates. So far, none of the 30 parties is an automaker, but the potential buyers include private equity firms and wealthy individuals.
The list of buyers includes billionaires, Bernard Arnault, head of luxury goods retailer LVMH, and Albert FrГЁre; a group lead by Aston Martin's current CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez; as well as a group lead by former Ford CEO Jac Nasser, reports Trend.
Interested buyers are required to submit their initial bids by the end of the month, after which the bidding will go on to a second round, according to the report. With no automakers currently in the mix, it looks like Aston Martin might become an independent automaker. With Aston Martin turning a profit,
Despite Aston Martin recording its first profit in 40 years, Ford is desperate for cash, and Aston Martin's potential sale price of nearly $2 billion could be the difference for the struggling automaker.