Volkswagen Group is considering a separate listing of its Porsche sports car brand in a deal that could boost its valuation, according to people familiar with the matter.
VW is speaking with advisers to study the merits of a potential initial public offering or spinoff of Porsche, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information.
VW could use any proceeds from a listing for acquisitions or technological investments, according to the people.
A listing of Porsche could take place next year, though no firm timetable has been decided, the people said.
VW plans to keep a majority stake if it pursues an IPO of the business, according the people.
Deliberations are ongoing, and there is no certainty they will lead to a transaction, the people said. VW declined to comment.
Citing company insiders, Manager Magazin reported earlier Thursday that VW is weighing a listing of Porsche in a move that could raise 20 billion euros ($24 billion) to 25 billion euros.
Such a move, if agreed on, would partially reverse an acquisition concluded in 2012, when VW Group bought the remaining 50.1 percent stake in Porsche’s automotive business for 4.46 billion euros. That step ended a seven-year takeover saga that divided the Porsches and Piechs, two of the most powerful families in Germany.
The two companies agreed to combine in 2009 after Stuttgart-based Porsche racked up more than 10 billion euros of debt in an unsuccessful attempt to take over VW.