AM reportedly preparing for an IPO

Aston Martin is reportedly preparing for a stock market listing or sale in the second half of 2018, said sources familiar with the matter.  Reuters reported earlier in the week that the key owners of Aston Martin,  Investindustrial and Kuwaiti investors, who own 90 per cent of the British marque, have hired investment bank Lazard to work on a preliminary plan and could either opt for an initial public offering (IPO) in the third or fourth quarter of 2018 or a trade sale, two of the sources stated.  The move could see the marque valued at between 2 and 3 billion pounds, one of the sources said, adding a listing was the most likely option. Neither Investindustrial, Aston Martin, Lazard, or one of the Kuwaiti investors have commented on the possibility of an IPO or sale and the investors could decide to retain control if they so wanted.