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Who Owns Aston Martin? From British Legacy to Modern Luxury Empire

Lawrence Stroll guides Aston Martin's ownership structure with a 24.56% stake through the Yew Tree Consortium, which became 3-years old in 2020. The legendary British automaker's story began 110 years ago when Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford founded the company. Their creation has an ownership history that matches its vehicles' legendary status.


Aston Martin has survived seven bankruptcies throughout its existence and still produces some of the world's most coveted luxury vehicles. The company's ownership remains notably concentrated. Four major shareholders control 85.49% of the company. Aston Martin became publicly traded in 2018, and its parent company operates as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings. The company employs 2,740 people and sells vehicles across more than 50 countries worldwide.


This piece will get into Aston Martin's complete ownership history. We'll explore the current ownership structure and see how Lawrence Stroll's leadership shapes this iconic brand's future. The company's ambitious plans include a $1.4 billion F1 team and electric vehicle development now scheduled for 2026.


Who owns Aston Martin now?


Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll owns the majority of Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc through his investment vehicle, the Yew Tree Consortium. The luxury British automaker has undergone a major change in ownership structure over the last several years.


Lawrence Stroll and the Yew Tree Consortium


Stroll's control of Aston Martin began on January 31, 2020, when his Yew Tree Consortium invested £182 million for a 16.7% stake in the company. The consortium's Executive Chairman has steadily strengthened his grip on the iconic British marque. Independent shareholders approved a £52.5 million investment at a General Meeting, which boosted the consortium's interest to 33.13% of the company's voting rights.


"Since 2020, my Yew Tree Consortium partners and I have invested around £600 million into the company," Stroll said, highlighting his "steadfast dedication to Aston Martin". The consortium plans to increase its stake to 35% "when possible" by subscribing for additional new shares.


Major shareholders and their stakes


Aston Martin's ownership extends beyond Stroll's Yew Tree Consortium:

  • Saudi Arabian investors hold about 21.06% of the company

  • Mercedes-Benz Group AG maintains an 8.15% stake

  • Institutional investors collectively own 32.74%

  • Retail investors make up 30.16%


The ownership structure reveals a concentrated yet diverse base, with four major shareholders controlling most of the company.


Aston Martin as a publicly traded company


The London Stock Exchange lists Aston Martin under the ticker symbol "AML." The company operates as Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings plc since its 2018 IPO. Its operations include design, development, manufacture, and marketing of vehicles.


The company plans to sell its minority stake in the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. This sale should generate a premium of around £74 million above the current book value without affecting the long-term sponsorship agreement. Stroll believes that "These moves demonstrate that Aston Martin's place on the Formula One grid is as secure as ever".


New CEO Adrian Hallmark sees the recent investment as crucial. "This provides additional headroom to support our future product innovation and business transformation activities, which combined, will accelerate our progress into being a sustainably profitable company".


The origin of Aston Martin: A British legacy


Lawrence Stroll's acquisition of Aston Martin came nearly 110 years after the iconic British brand's birth in 1913. Two automotive enthusiasts created a legacy that would catch the attention of billionaire investors.


Founders: Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford


The Aston Martin story started on January 15, 1913. Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford formed their partnership and launched "Bamford & Martin Ltd." They chose a location in Henniker Mews, West Kensington, London - a space previously owned by Hesse & Savory.


Martin, a well-dressed 35-year-old Etonian, loved racing. His partner Bamford, a 30-year-old engineer, shared his passion for speed. The two met at the Bath Road Club in Kensington through their mutual love of cycling. They started by selling Singer cars and serviced other vehicles like GWK and Calthorpe models.


The story behind the name 'Aston Martin'


"Bamford & Martin" became "Aston Martin" after Lionel Martin raced a modified Singer car at the Aston Hill Climb near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire. His victory there inspired the company's new name, which combined "Aston" from the hill climb location with his surname.


Lionel's wife Kate suggested putting "Aston" first. She knew this would place the company at the top of alphabetical manufacturer listings - a clever marketing move for its time.


Early production and World War I's effect


The team built their first Aston Martin prototype on March 16, 1915. People nicknamed it "Coal Scuttle." This breakthrough vehicle paired a Coventry-Simplex engine with a 1908 Isotta Fraschini chassis. World War I stopped their plans as both founders joined the war effort.


Martin worked with the Admiralty while Bamford served in the Army Service Corps. Production started again in 1920, but Bamford had left the company. The team built about 55 cars between 1920 and 1924. These cars mostly appeared in races with limited public sales.


A timeline of Aston Martin ownership


Aston Martin has changed hands many times in its rich history. Each owner added their own touch to the brand's progress. This pattern of ownership changes started after the company's early days and still shapes where it's heading today.


David Brown and the Lagonda merger


David Brown bought the struggling Aston Martin in 1947 for £20,500. He put it under his Tractor Group within David Brown Limited. Brown also bought Lagonda that year to get its 2.6-liter W.O. Bentley-designed engine. This smart move led to the creation of the famous "DB" series, which used Brown's initials.


The company reached its peak in racing under his leadership and won the 1959 World Sports Car Championship. The DB series (DB2 through DB6) built Aston Martin's name for speed and luxury. Money problems forced Brown to sell both Aston Martin Lagonda and his tractor division by 1972.


Ford Motor Company era (1991–2007)


Ford built up its ownership of Aston Martin step by step. They bought 75% in 1987 and later got the rest. Aston Martin grew a lot under Ford's Premier Automotive Group. The DB7 came out in 1993 and became Aston Martin's most popular car ever. They sold 7,100 units over ten years.


Ford lost $12.7 billion in 2006, so they sold Aston Martin in March 2007. A group led by Prodrive chairman David Richards bought it for $925 million. Ford kept a 15% stake worth $70 million.


Post-Ford transitions and the IPO in 2018


The company went through several owners before going public on the London Stock Exchange in October 2018. They raised £1.1 billion with shares starting at £19. This was the UK's first car maker IPO in over 30 years. The shares dropped by a lot from their starting price despite early hopes.


Lawrence Stroll's acquisition in 2020


Lawrence Stroll led a group that invested £182 million for a 16.7% stake in Aston Martin in January 2020. The company needed help at the time. This £500 million rescue deal gave the struggling car maker much-needed cash. Stroll took over as Executive Chairman from Penny Hughes in April 2020. The deal also turned Stroll's Racing Point Formula 1 team into Aston Martin from 2021.


Strategic partnerships and future direction


Aston Martin's future depends on mutually beneficial alliances that are the foundations of technology and funding for the company's ambitious plans.


Mercedes-Benz and AMG engine supply


Aston Martin has depended on Mercedes-AMG for its powertrains since 2013. The company launched its first AMG-powered vehicle, the DB11, in 2018. The alliance provides Aston Martin access to AMG's M177 family 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engines, which generate 510 to 550 hp in Aston Martin vehicles.


Mercedes-Benz expanded its ownership to 20% from 5% in 2020. This expansion gave the British automaker access to innovative powertrain architecture for conventional, hybrid, and electric vehicles. Aston Martin's Chief Technology Officer Roberto Fedeli stated clearly, "Without Mercedes we could be in trouble".


Lucid partnership for EV technology


Aston Martin established a significant technology partnership with Lucid Group worth over $450 million in June 2023. The agreement enables Aston Martin to use Lucid's advanced electric powertrain technology, including its twin motor drive unit, battery systems, and "Wunderbox" technology.


Lucid received a 3.7% stake in Aston Martin and 28.4 million new ordinary shares valued at approximately $232 million.


Geely and Saudi PIF investments


Chinese automotive giant Geely became the third-largest shareholder in May 2023 after investing £234 million ($290 million) to increase its stake to 17%. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) maintains approximately 18% ownership of Aston Martin, securing its position as the second-largest shareholder.


These investments help Aston Martin understand the Chinese market better and provide additional capital for development programs.


Aston Martin's EV and hybrid roadmap


Aston Martin has pushed back its first electric vehicle launch from 2025 to 2027. The company now prioritizes plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) development. The mid-engined Valhalla supercar, Aston Martin's first PHEV, will reach customers in 2024. All new Aston Martin model lines will include an electrified powertrain option by 2026. The company aims to fully electrify its core range by 2030.


Conclusion


Lawrence Stroll's Yew Tree Consortium owns 24.56% of Aston Martin, making it the largest stakeholder in this iconic British luxury automaker. This legendary brand has survived seven bankruptcies and changed hands many times over its 110-year history while staying true to its reputation for automotive excellence.


Each ownership era left its mark on Aston Martin's identity. Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford started with their original dream. David Brown created the legendary DB series. Ford invested heavily to modernize the company. Now Stroll leads another key transformation of the brand.


Today's ownership shows a focused yet diverse investor base. Saudi Arabian investors own about 21.06%, Mercedes-Benz holds 8.15%, and institutional and retail investors share the rest. This mix of owners brings stability and fresh ideas that can stimulate future growth.


Mutually beneficial alliances with Mercedes-AMG and Lucid matter just as much as who owns the shares. Mercedes provides vital powertrain technology that Aston Martin needs to succeed. Lucid's electric vehicle expertise will help shape the company's future, though full electric models won't arrive until 2027.


Aston Martin still fascinates car enthusiasts worldwide, despite its complex history. Stroll has shown his steadfast dedication by investing around £600 million since 2020. His measured approach to electric vehicles and Formula 1 racing shows a well-planned vision that balances sustainability with performance.


British automotive heritage, engineering excellence, and timeless luxury are Aston Martin's foundations. The company might change hands again, but its spirit - born in Buckinghamshire's hills over 100 years ago - stays true to its roots.


FAQs


Q1. Who is the current owner of Aston Martin?

Lawrence Stroll leads the ownership structure through the Yew Tree Consortium, which holds a 24.56% stake in Aston Martin. Other major shareholders include Saudi Arabian investors, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and various institutional and retail investors.


Q2. How did Aston Martin get its name?

Aston Martin got its name after co-founder Lionel Martin successfully raced a modified Singer car at the Aston Hill Climb near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire. The name combines "Aston" from the hill climb location with Martin's surname.


Q3. What role does Mercedes-Benz play in Aston Martin's operations?

Mercedes-Benz Group AG holds an 8.15% stake in Aston Martin and provides crucial powertrain technology. Since 2013, Aston Martin has relied on Mercedes-AMG for its engines, and the partnership gives Aston Martin access to advanced powertrain architecture for conventional, hybrid, and electric vehicles.


Q4. What are Aston Martin's plans for electric vehicles?

Aston Martin has delayed the launch of its first fully electric vehicle to 2027. In the meantime, the company is focusing on developing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), with its first PHEV, the Valhalla supercar, scheduled for delivery in 2024. By 2026, all new Aston Martin model lines will feature an electrified powertrain option.


Q5. How has Aston Martin's ownership changed over the years?

Aston Martin has undergone numerous ownership changes since its founding in 1913. Notable periods include David Brown's ownership from 1947, which introduced the iconic DB series, Ford Motor Company's era from 1991 to 2007, and the company's public listing in 2018. The most recent significant change occurred in 2020 when Lawrence Stroll's consortium acquired a major stake in the company.


 
 
 

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