Leif Ostling, president and CEO of Scania, has apologised after comparing MAN’s takeover bid for Scania to a blitzkrieg (Germany’s World War II tactic combining air and land power used to overrun numerous countries in the first two years of the conflict).


“During Scania’s capital markets day on 6 December I made some comments about Germany that have been interpreted in a way that was not intended. These statements were never meant to be perceived as offensive, but if that is the case, I deeply regret it and apologise,” he said in a statement.


During the event Ostling confirmed that Scania may consider a counter-bid for MAN. Scania has rejected MAN’s bid, and called for it to be dropped.


MAN has extended its bid until the end of January.