Bosses defend Peugeot-Opel deal under political fire

PSA Group and General Motors mobilised their chief executives on Wednesday to defend the Peugeot maker’s planned acquisition of GM’s Opel against a German-led backlash that could derail the deal even before its terms are finalised.

Germany’s federal government and powerful unions have heaped criticism on the tie-up plan, confirmed by both manufacturers on Tuesday, fearing job losses. Britain also said it had contacted GM President Dan Ammann to express concern over the future of Opel’s UK plants.

Paris-based PSA said it would despatch CEO Carlos Tavares to meet German labour and political leaders likely to include Chancellor Angela Merkel, as his