The Government On The New GM

Newly born from its embargoed womb, here's what the government says about The New General Motors, as it's calling the new General Motors:

The newly organized GM will purchase substantially all of the assets of the old GM needed to implement its business plan out of a chapter 11 in exchange for the U.S. Government relinquishing the majority of its loans to GM. 

·         This new GM will establish an independent trust (VEBA) that will provide health care benefits for GM's retirees.  The VEBA will be funded by a note of $2.5 billion payable in three installments ending in 2017 and $6.5 billion in 9% perpetual preferred stock.  The VEBA will also receive 17.5% of the equity of New GM and warrants to purchase an additional 2.5% of the company.  The VEBA will have the right to select one independent director and will have no right to vote its shares or other governance rights.

·         The GM qualified pension plans for both hourly and salaried employees will be transferred to the New GM as part of the purchase process.

·         The U.S. Treasury is prepared to provide approximately $30.1 billion of debtor in possession financing to support GM through an expedited chapter 11 proceeding and transition the new GM through its restructuring plan. The U.S. Treasury does not anticipate providing any additional assistance to GM beyond this commitment. In exchange for funds already committed by the U.S. Treasury and the new injection of $30.1 billion, the U.S. government will receive approximately $8.8 billion in debt and preferred stock in the new GM and approximately 60% of the equity of the new GM.  The U.S. Treasury will also have the right to appoint the initial directors other than those that will be selected by the VEBA and the Canadian government.

·         The Governments of Canada and Ontario will participate alongside the U.S. Treasury by lending $9.5 billion to GM and New GM. The Canadian and Ontario governments will receive approximately $1.7 billion in debt and preferred stock, and approximately 12% of the equity of the new GM.  Based on its substantial financial contribution, the Canadian government will also have the right to select one initial director.

·         The new GM will pursue a commitment to build a new small car in an idled UAW factory, which when in place will increase the share of U.S. production for U.S. sale from its current level of about 66% to over 70%.