Chinese auto firm wins bankruptcy auction for U.S. battery maker

NEW YORK—Bankrupt battery maker A123 Systems Inc. will sell most of its assets to the U.S. arm of Chinese auto parts conglomerate Wanxiang Group Corp. for $256.6 million.

Wanxiang America Corp. won an auction conducted under the supervision of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

A123’s government business will be sold separately, for $2.25 million, to Navitas Systems, of Woodridge, Illinois, the company said.

A hearing seeking the necessary court approval of the sale is scheduled for Tuesday. The deal must also be okayed by the Committee for Foreign Investment in the United States, a federal inter-agency committee that reviews sales of U.S. companies to foreign owners. A123 has about 2,000 employees.

Waltham, Massachusetts-based A123, which makes lithium ion batteries for electric cars, grid storage and commercial and military applications, was awarded a $249 million grant from the Department of Energy in August 2009 to help it build U.S. factories. About $130 million of that grant was delivered before the company fell victim to the lacklustre market for electric cars.

In September 2009, it also held a successful initial public offering, raising $380 million as its stock gained more than 50 per cent, to close over $20. Shares closed at 13 cents the session before it filed for bankruptcy protection.

Despite opening several plants, developing highly-touted new technology, including a battery that could operate in extreme heat or cold, and signing deals with top automakers like General Motors, Chrysler and India’s Tata Motors, the company never posted a profit. In August, it reported an $83 million loss for the second quarter. At the same time, A123 said it had reached a financing deal with Wanxiang Group for up to $450 million to help it stay afloat.

But still short of cash, the company sought bankruptcy protection in October, and said it would sell its automotive unit to Milwaukee-based auto parts marker Johnson Controls Inc. for $125 million.

Wanxiang challenged Johnson Controls’ role as the primary bidder, and stepped in to provide bankruptcy financing when the Johnson declined to do so. In a statement Sunday, Johnson Controls said it officially withdrew from the auction when it declined to match Wanxiang’s bid, because the price was higher than the value of the assets to its operations.

A123 said on Sunday that the terms of the deal will see Wanxiang acquire its automotive, grid and commercial business assets, including all technology, products, customer contracts and U.S. facilities in Michigan, Massachusetts and Missouri. It will also get A123’s cathode powder manufacturing operations in China and its equity interest in Shanghai Advanced Traction Battery Systems Co., A123’s joint venture with Shanghai Automotive.