Saudi government becomes second-biggest shareholder in Aston Martin

Saudi government becomes second-biggest shareholder in Aston Martin as iconic British sports car maker invites Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to put two directors on its board

• Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund has bought up a large stake in Aston Martin
• The British sports car maker has suffered a 75% fall in its share price in one year
• Fears over the financial health of the company have built over its enormous debt
• Saudi Arabia used its multi-billion pound fund to buy Newcastle United last year
• Critics condemn Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and urge a UK boycott 

A massive fund controlled by a Saudi Arabian prince will become the second biggest shareholder in British sports car manufacturer Aston Martin, the company has announced.

The brand – a favourite of fictional spy James Bond – said it would raise between £500 million and £600 million from shareholders to pay down its debt.

Aston Martin previously said the debt was expected to cost around £130 million just in interest payments this financial year.

The alternative was to tap shareholders for money in a fundraiser anchored by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Shares in Aston Martin have lost three-quarters of their value in the last 12 months, driven by concerns over the carmaker’s financial health.

Aston Martin’s share price has declined by 75% in the last 12 months, as investors fear for the sports car company’s financial health with interest payments in a single year costing the firm £130 million

 Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (pictured) has used his nation’s wealth fund to become the second biggest shareholder in the British sports car maker Aston Martin

Controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the PIF is Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, one of the biggest in the world.

It has around half a trillion dollars to throw around, though its investments often court controversy.

The fund’s takeover of Newcastle United Football Club last year – it provided 80% of the cash for the deal – sparked protests outside the Premier League side’s stadium over Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses.

Until just a few years ago, women were banned from driving in the kingdom, while the country is still a frequent user of the death penalty.

A woman in Saudi Arabia has to live under the guardianship of a man – often her father or husband – who makes critical decisions on her behalf.

Some jobs, including being a judge, are off limits to women.

The country also locks up those who campaign for changes to its restrictive laws.

The PIF will appoint two members to Aston Martin’s board.

Yew Tree Consortium, a group led by current chairman Lawrence Stroll, and Mercedes-Benz, will also invest.

Mr Stroll said: ‘Today’s announcement marks the latest success in the evolution of Aston Martin, the restoration of the business and balance sheet we inherited, and the acceleration of our long-term growth potential.’

He added: ‘I am delighted to welcome the Public Investment Fund as a new anchor shareholder in the company, alongside my consortium.

‘We have a shared vision and our joint participation in this important strategic financing demonstrates both our confidence in the prospects for the company and our commitment to the future success of Aston Martin.’

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