Apple could be about to acquire the British prestige carmaker McLaren – as the Financial Times reports that the Cupertino company, long rumored to be developing its own electric car, has been in talks with McLaren about a deal likely to be worth between $1.3 billion and $1.9 billion.
Apple is said to be, likely with a view to adding to its personnel and resources for its car project, mulling over either a complete takeover of McLaren or a strategic investment in the automaker, which is headquartered in Woking, Surrey. McLaren’s automotive-related technology, engineering aptitude and patents are thought to have drawn Apple’s interest.
The news of Apple’s negotiations with McLaren was reportedly leaked by “three people briefed on the negotiations who said talks started several months ago”. However, these sources have acknowledged that, following “a recent shift in Apple’s car strategy”, Apple now might not move ahead with the deal.
McLaren’s reputation in the automotive field largely rests on its manufacture of high-performance sports cars. The company also has its own successful Formula One team, called McLaren Honda – though it isn’t clear whether Apple would want to keep hold of this should the proposed deal with McLaren actually come to fruition.
