One of the key parties bidding for the Jaguar and Land Rover labels is a group consisting of Indian manufacturers Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra, and according to latest reports Ford bosses are planning to meet with the bidders ahead of due diligence scheduled for later this month.

The information comes from industry insiders, who revealed to the Economic Times that Ford will be meeting with all potential bidders, the first of which will be the Indian duo. Other bidders include US private equity firms TPG and Ripplewood Holdings.

Last week there was news that Ford may end up auctioning off the brands to short list the number of companies bidding to just two preferred contenders. Such a move would help Ford speed up proceedings of the sale, which according to previous reports could be finalized by as early as September 30.

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