White House Favors Managed Bankruptcy for Chrysler, GM

(NEWSER) - The man tabbed by President Obama to see General Motors and Chrysler through bankruptcy is leaving the post, the New York Times reports. Though Steven Rattner’s former investment firm is under investigation, it’s unclear if that affected his decision. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner said today that, with both auto giants emerging from bankruptcy, Rattner is leaving to spend more time with family. He’ll be replaced by Ron Bloom, a top member of the advisory group. More»

Administration triumphs as bankruptcy effectively ends

(NEWSER) - Chrysler finalized its sale of assets to Fiat with a government wire transfer this morning that gave Chrysler $6.6 billion in funds to exit bankruptcy, the New York Times reports. The sale is good news for the Obama administration, which sought an “efficient” restructuring for Chrysler. It may also provide a glimpse into the future of General Motors, also navigating bankruptcy. More»

President not afraid to use 'the big stick' on ailing firms

(NEWSER) - In announcing Chrysler’s bankruptcy, President Obama shows other troubled firms and industries there’s a point where bailouts stop and hard choices begin—and that message must ring especially clear at General Motors, writes Tom Walsh for the Detroit Free Press. GM’s creditors will now be under a lot of pressure to accept what Obama’s auto task force suggests—for fear of getting a worse deal in bankruptcy court. More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama said today that Chrysler’s impending bankruptcy is “not a sign of weakness but one more step” towards recovery, the Washington Post reports. The 1-to-2 month “surgical” bankruptcy—a time frame met with skepticism by experts—will give the automaker a “new lease on life,” Obama said. The president claimed that the filing and a partnership with Fiat would save “tens of thousands” of jobs. More»

Billions of dollars in concessions sought from banks, bondholders

(NEWSER) - The government is pushing hard to wring billions of dollars in concessions from the creditors of General Motors and Chrysler, the Wall Street Journal reports. Insiders say Treasury has pushed GM to offer bondholders only stock in return for debt after it judged as too generous a deal involving stock, new debt, and some cash. More»