German car maker VOLKSWAGEN has acquired for €9.6 bn, 15.06% of its fellow German company MAN (heavy duty vehicles). This strategic move will enable VOLKSWAGEN to exert pressure in the merger between MAN and SCANIA and to take part in the three firm merger. MAN launched a buy out offer of €9.6 bn for SCANIA, which was rejected by the Swedish and its main shareholders. SCANIA main shareholder, VW has also become a reference shareholder in MAN.