THE value of bankrupt Saab Automobile's assets covers less than a third of its debts and only some preferential creditors will get any money back, the company's trustees said yesterday.

A summary of Saab's balance sheet showed the company has debts of 13 billion kronor (US$1.9 billion) and assets of around 3.6 billion kronor.

The debts include claims of 2.2 billion kronor from the Swedish state, 606 million kronor from former owner General Motors Corp and 513 million kronor from former employees.

Saab also owes GM 2.2 billion kronor it paid for preferential shares but the American auto company would only be entitled to that if the bankruptcy produced a surplus, which it won't, the trustees said.

Trustees said that mainly preferential creditors, or those who hold securities for their claims, will receive money.

The Swedish state will get some money for securities in Saab shares and any surplus from the sale of tools and equipment in Saab's tools unit. Employees of Saab Automobile won't see any money, though workers of subsidiary Saab Automobile Powertrains could receive some payments.

Saab filed for bankruptcy in December. Trustees have previously said six or seven potential investors are mulling plans to save the brand from dissolution.
 

Source:shanghaidaily