Tony Fernandes, Kamarudin Meranun sell Caterham Cars to Japanese buyer

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KUALA LUMPUR (April 7): Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Datuk Kamarudin Meranun has sold UK-based Caterham Cars Ltd to Japan-headquartered automotive group VT Holdings as performance-car manufacturer Caterham looks ahead to write the next chapter of its corporate journey.

In a statement yesterday, Caterham said VT Holdings had last Wednesday (March 31, 2021) acquired Caterham from “businessmen” Fernandes and Kamarudin.

Fernandes is AirAsia Group Bhd executive director and chief executive officer while Kamarudin is the budget airline’s executive chairman, according to AirAsia Group’s annual report.

In Caterham’s statement, the company had however not disclosed the value of the transaction and specified why Fernandes and Kamarudin sold Caterham to VT Holdings.

Graham Macdonald, chief executive of Caterham said in the statement : “As a team, we’re all excited about starting to write the next chapter for this very special brand.”

VT Holdings chief executive Kazuho Takahashi said in the statement : “We have not only purchased a globally renowned performance car manufacturer but become custodians of a motoring legend.”