Europe

French government: No rush for Renault-Fiat Chrysler merger

Associated Press
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This photo taken on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019 show a Ranult car parking outside the French carmaker headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt, outside Paris, France. French carmaker Renault looks set to give its approval to Fiat Chrysler's merger offer. The company's board is meeting Tuesday afternoon at its headquarters to decide on a deal that could reshape the global auto industry. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

FILE - In this Feb. 14, 2019, file photo, this is the Fiat logo is mounted on a 2019 500 L on display at the 2019 Pittsburgh International Auto Show in Pittsburgh. French carmaker Renault looks set to give its approval to Fiat Chrysler's merger offer. The company's board is meeting Tuesday June 4, 2019 afternoon at its headquarters outside Paris to decide on a deal that could reshape the global auto industry. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

France's finance minister says Renault and Fiat Chrysler shouldn't rush into a merger.

Bruno Le Maire said Wednesday on BFM television that the government is keeping up pressure on both carmakers to accept French government conditions for the proposed tie-up. The French state is Renault's biggest single shareholder, with a 15% stake.

Le Maire said the government wants a seat on the merged company's board and a joint headquarters in France. "Let's take the time to do things well," he said. "We want this merger, but we don't want it under just any conditions."

Renault's board is meeting late Wednesday to discuss Fiat Chrysler's merger offer. It would create the world's No. 3 auto company and reshape the industry as carmakers race to make electric and autonomous vehicles for the masses.