Japanese Meddling Played A Role In Collapse Of FCA And Renault Merger Deal

The Japanese government played a role in the breakdown of merger talks between Renault SA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV earlier this month, weighing in with concerns the combination could harm Nissan Motor Co., people familiar with the matter said.

Japan signaled its misgivings over the deal to the French government, said the people, asking not to be identified speaking about the negotiations. France -- Renault’s most powerful shareholder -- then sought a pause in the talks for more time to win Nissan’s support, provoking Fiat to withdraw its offer.