Volvo Cars to dilute stake in EV maker Polestar

Volvo Cars said on Friday it plans to distribute 62.7% of its stake worth 9.5 billion crowns ($920.17 million) in Swedish electric vehicle manufacturer Polestar Automotive Holding to its own shareholders.

After completion of the proposed distribution, Sweden-based Volvo Cars said it will retain an 18% stake in Polestar.

The heavy involvement by Sweden-listed Volvo Cars in Polestar, where it owns around 48% of the shares, has been criticized by analysts who see the stake as a drag on Volvo’s resources.

“As we have significant operational collaborations with Polestar and a financial relationship, it is logical for us to retain influence through a smaller 18% stake in Polestar,” said President and CEO of Volvo Cars Jim Rowan.

The company said it has a financial relationship with Polestar through an outstanding convertible loan of $1 billion.

China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding, which is a majority owner of Volvo Cars, will continue to provide operational and financial support to Polestar.

The stake distribution will be made through a 2:1 share split, followed by an automatic share redemption process, Volvo Cars said.