Well well well. So the Alchemy Partners plan is the one way forward after
all.

Surprise surprise...

http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/art...620590,00.html

DAS

For direct contact replace nospam with schmetterling
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Bidders race for the MG badge


A company with ties to one of the most famous British sports
cars is bidding to save the MG brand and keep production in the West
Midlands. Chapman Automotive, founded by associates of the late Sir Colin
Chapman, the father of Lotus, has announced its intention to buy the MG name
and the rights to build the MG TF two-seater sports car.
The company says it is backed by a consortium of investors and
an overseas vehicle manufacturer, rumoured to be Proton. Its plan relates
solely to the MG's two-seater TF sports car, with production moved from
Longbridge to a site nearby.

Chapman will face competition from a consortium of six former
bosses of Powertrain, the engine-building side of MG Rover. Using the name
UK Sports Cars, the group is seeking to resurrect the Austin Healey marque
as well as reviving MG's sporty image, see left. It would retain MG TF
production at Longbridge.






Martin Leach, former European president for Ford, has been
linked with a possible third British bid, but refused to confirm or deny his
involvement. Last week a potential deal with the Iranian government, which
had announced it was considering a bid for the whole of MG Rover, fell
through.

The rights to build the Rover 25 and 75 in China have already
been sold to the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation as part of the
failed talks aimed at forming a joint venture between the companies.

The Rover administrator Price Waterhouse Coopers has received
"12 credible offers" relating to the business. It is expected to respond to
bids before the end of the month.