Mercedes Benz

Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer played down the risk of a hard Brexit. LONDON -- Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer says he intends to float the company on the London Stock Exchange by the end of the year, completing a turnaround after new models and a surge in volumes helped the brand return to profitability following chronic losses. The automaker said it had filed a registration document with the U.K.'s Financial Conduct Authority, which is a requirement of companies considering an initial public offering. Pending a final decision, a prospectus will be published on or around Sept. 20. Palmer told Reuters he hoped the flotation would complete by the end of the year, which would coincide with when Britain aims to have agreed a Brexit deal with the European Union. If successful, Aston Martin would become the first British-based automaker to be listed in London for years, following the sale of such brands as Jaguar, Bentley and Rolls-Royce to foreign owners. The IPO could see the company val...