Edsel Ford II to Buy DaimlerChrysler Unit

Ford Motor Co. board member Edsel Ford II plans to buy DaimlerChrysler Aviation, a private air service owned by the German American auto maker, said a source familiar with the negotiations.

The deal would not include the sale of DaimlerChrysler Aviation’s six jets, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The deal includes the facilities at Oakland County International Airport in Waterford, Mich., which employ about 200 people.

The new company would service and manage aircraft, and DaimlerChrysler would be a customer. It would be renamed Pentastar Aviation, the Detroit Free Press reported.

The cost of the deal was not immediately available.

Edsel Ford’s planned acquisition of DaimlerChrysler Aviation is independent of Ford Motor Co.