EPISODE · May 30, 2026 · 11 MIN
How the Porsche Board Handled the Volkswagen Coup
from Boardroom Conversations with Fexingo: CEOs, Strategy, and Corporate Leadership Explained · host Fexingo
In 2008, Porsche tried to take over Volkswagen using options and debt, briefly becoming the world's most valuable company. The board backed CEO Wendelin Wiedeking's aggressive strategy until it collapsed under $14 billion in debt. This episode examines how Porsche's governance structure enabled and then reined in that ambition — and what it reveals about the risks of a controlling family board. Lucas and Luna walk through the failed put options, the 2008 short squeeze, and the board's decision to merge rather than declare victory. #Porsche #Volkswagen #WendelinWiedeking #BoardGovernance #CorporateStrategy #TakeoverAttempt #ShortSqueeze #FamilyOwnedBusiness #PiechFamily #PorscheSE #VWGroup #OptionsTrading #DebtCrisis #Business #CorporateGovernance #FexingoBusiness #BoardroomConversations #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
What this episode covers
In 2008, Porsche tried to take over Volkswagen using options and debt, briefly becoming the world's most valuable company. The board backed CEO Wendelin Wiedeking's aggressive strategy until it collapsed under $14 billion in debt. This episode examines how Porsche's governance structure enabled and then reined in that ambition — and what it reveals about the risks of a controlling family board. Lucas and Luna walk through the failed put options, the 2008 short squeeze, and the board's decision to merge rather than declare victory. #Porsche #Volkswagen #WendelinWiedeking #BoardGovernance #CorporateStrategy #TakeoverAttempt #ShortSqueeze #FamilyOwnedBusiness #PiechFamily #PorscheSE #VWGroup #OptionsTrading #DebtCrisis #Business #CorporateGovernance #FexingoBusiness #BoardroomConversations #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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How the Porsche Board Handled the Volkswagen Coup
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