Core Viewpoint - Geely's decision to privatize Zeekr after less than a year of its IPO is aimed at better business integration and resource allocation within the group, as the company faces challenges in stock performance and sales growth [3][6][9]. Group 1: Privatization and Strategic Integration - Geely has submitted a non-binding offer to acquire all outstanding shares of Zeekr at $2.57 per share, representing a 13.6% premium over the last trading price [3][4]. - The privatization is part of Geely's broader strategy to consolidate its brands and streamline operations, as emphasized by Geely's founder Li Shufu in his "Taizhou Declaration" [6][12]. - Zeekr's market performance post-IPO has been disappointing, with its market cap dropping from $11 billion to $5.74 billion, prompting the need for privatization to enhance internal integration [9][11]. Group 2: Market Challenges and Competitive Landscape - Zeekr's sales have been under pressure, with a reported 15% year-on-year decline in April 2023, highlighting the need for a turnaround strategy [14][22]. - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with rivals like Tesla and Xiaomi aggressively pricing their models, putting pressure on Zeekr's flagship model, the Zeekr 001 [22][23]. - To address these challenges, Zeekr plans to launch three new models in 2025, including the high-end Zeekr 9X, which aims to penetrate the luxury market dominated by established brands [23][25]. Group 3: Leadership and Operational Adjustments - A key leadership change has occurred with Lin Jie taking over marketing and sales responsibilities at Zeekr, tasked with reversing the sales decline and enhancing brand synergy with Lynk & Co [14][16]. - The integration of Zeekr and Lynk & Co is focused on avoiding internal competition and optimizing product offerings, with a 20% reduction in the model lineup to improve marketing efficiency [20][26]. - Both brands are expected to share technological resources and market strategies, with Lynk & Co leveraging Zeekr's advancements in smart driving technology [20][26].