Blocks of GM's Stock Sold

Joe Thompson
August 22, 2006

General Motors Corporation (GM), the world's largest automotive corporation and vehicle manufacturer has undergone big transformation in regard to ownership of the corporation’s stocks and holdings.

Recently, Capital Research & Management Company, GM’s second biggest investor based in Los Angeles has sold 24 percent of its holdings equivalent to 19.2 million shares. This datum was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Additionally, Brandes Investment Partners LP situated in San Diego, third biggest investor of the corporation, has also sold 4 percent of its holdings equivalent to 2.4 million shares.

When asked about GM’s situation, Brenda Rios, spokesperson of GM merely said, "It's natural for investors to periodically rebalance their holdings.” Nevertheless, she declined to comment any further.

Capital Research & Management Company as well as Brandes Investment Partners LP dismissed inquiries by simply stating that they do not comment on their investments.

On one hand, other investors of the corporation have acquired more shares in GM. Credit Suisse purchased 11.5 million shares. Said investor is now the sixth biggest investor of the corporation. Fidelity Management & Research also purchased 6.8 million shares. Further, according to lionshares.com, Franklin Mutual Advisers LLC also purchased 4.6 million shares.

Craig Fitzgerald, an automotive industry expert, said that the transactions were the result of some investors who bought GM shares at a lower price taking a profit and others seeing signs of progress in GM's restructuring plan. Fitzgerald added, "GM in particular is continuing to do some of the key things they need to be doing. There's no reason to necessarily believe there isn't more upside in the short- and mid-term."

Kirk Kerkorian's Tracinda Corporation, GM’s biggest investor, disclosed that GM is soon to form an alliance with other automotive giants namely Renault SA of France and Nissan Motor Company of Japan. As groundwork to said alliance, teams of employees from the three companies were united to conduct studies regarding its cost and benefits.

While planning on said alliance, GM maintains its good standing in the automotive sphere. Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Saturn and Pontiac auto parts as well as their automobile counterparts are still on top.

Source:  Amazines.com