March 17, 2025 – Porsche SE, the holding company of the prestigious automaker, is rumored to be contemplating the sale of a portion of its stake in Volkswagen (VW), according to a report by German newspaper Bild on March 16. The potential move aims to unlock funds for alternative investments. However, Porsche SE issued a statement on Sunday, clarifying that there are currently no plans to divest its voting shares in VW.
Citing insiders, Bild reported that the Porsche and Piech families, who are the driving forces behind Porsche SE, are deliberating a reduction in their ownership percentage of VW’s ordinary shares. Specifically, they are considering lowering their holding from the current 53.3% to a range between 45% and 50%. Reuters estimates that this could raise approximately €1.07 billion to €2.69 billion, based on current market prices.
In stark contrast, Porsche SE’s statement unequivocally stated, “Throughout 2024 and to date, Porsche SE has not considered selling shares in Volkswagen. Any plans to sell shares in Volkswagen would be disclosed in the company’s financial reports.” Furthermore, the company emphasized that it has never engaged in discussions with investors regarding the sale of its VW shares. As a long-term core shareholder, Porsche SE expressed confidence in the growth potential of the Volkswagen Group.
Volkswagen declined to comment on the matter.
Porsche SE currently holds a 31.9% equity stake and 53.3% voting rights in Volkswagen, along with a veto minority stake in the non-traded voting shares of Porsche AG, the luxury sports car manufacturer that went public in 2022. Volkswagen and Porsche AG constitute the core investments of Porsche SE. Last year, the company indicated that it would not rule out “possible reallocations” of these two companies and its smaller investment portfolio in the future.
Earlier this month, Porsche SE disclosed significant impairment losses on its two major investments, with Volkswagen accounting for €19.9 billion and Porsche AG for €3.4 billion.
