Porsche completes Bugatti Rimac exit, lifts 2026 cash flow outlook

(Reuters) – Porsche said on Wednesday it had completed the sale ​of its stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac ‌Group after receiving regulatory approvals, finalising its exit from the Croatian electric hypercar maker and related businesses.

The transaction will generate ​proceeds of around €1 billion ($1.2 billion) for the ​German sports car manufacturer.

The company said the deal ⁠would help lift its 2026 automotive net cash flow ​margin forecast to 5.5%-7.5%, from 3%-5% previously. Porsche plans ​to allocate €250 million of the proceeds to further fund pension obligations.

The disposal forms part of Porsche’s broader effort to focus ​on its core automotive business as the luxury carmaker ​faces weaker demand in China and a slower-than-expected transition to electric ‌vehicles, ⁠issues that have pressured earnings across the European auto sector.

Porsche had held a 45% stake in Bugatti Rimac and a 20.6% stake in Rimac Group after ​helping establish the ​Bugatti Rimac ⁠joint venture in 2021.

Founder Mate Rimac will assume the role of president of ​Bugatti Automobiles as part of a management ​reshuffle, ⁠while former Rimac Technology executive Marko Brkljačić is expected to join the company as chief operating officer.

Following the completion ⁠of ​the transaction, Rimac Group is ​set to take full control of Bugatti Rimac alongside its new investors.

($1 = ​0.8600 euros)

Reporting by Maria Rugamer. Editing by Mark Potter