American Axle Secures China Approval for $1.44 Billion Dowlais Acquisition
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 19 2026
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Regulatory Approval: American Axle has received approval from China's State Administration for Market Regulation for its planned $1.44 billion acquisition of Dowlais Group, with the deal expected to close in Q1 2026, marking a significant expansion in the global auto parts market.
- Market Consolidation: The merger will combine American Axle and Dowlais into a larger, more diversified global auto parts supplier focused on electric vehicle technology, thereby enhancing competitive positioning and customer service capabilities.
- Shareholder Structure: Post-merger, American Axle shareholders will own approximately 51% of the combined entity, while Dowlais shareholders will hold about 49% and receive cash plus American Axle shares, ensuring a balanced interest for both parties.
- Compliance Requirements: The Chinese regulator mandates that the merged company must continue supplying customers in China on fair and reasonable terms, ensuring that local automakers are not harmed, thus maintaining a competitive market environment.
Get Free Real-Time Notifications for Any Stock
Monitor tickers like AXL with instant alerts to capture every critical market movement.
Sign up for free to build your custom watchlist and receive professional-grade stock notifications.
Analyst Views on AXL
Wall Street analysts forecast AXL stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for AXL is 7.03 USD with a low forecast of 4.50 USD and a high forecast of 8.50 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
6 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
3 Hold
1 Sell
Hold
Current: 8.040
Low
4.50
Averages
7.03
High
8.50
Current: 8.040
Low
4.50
Averages
7.03
High
8.50
About AXL
Dauch Corporation, formerly American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., is a global Tier 1 automotive supplier. The Company designs, engineers and manufactures driveline and metal forming technologies to support electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. The Company's product categories include Driveline and Metal Forming. Its Driveline products consist primarily of front and rear axles, driveshafts, differential assemblies, clutch modules, balance shaft systems, disconnecting driveline technology, and electric and hybrid driveline products and systems for light trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), crossover vehicles, passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The Company's Metal Forming products consist primarily of engine, transmission, driveline and safety-critical components for traditional internal combustion engine and electric vehicle architectures including light vehicles, commercial vehicles and off-highway vehicles, as well as products for industrial markets.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
American Axle Changes Name to Dauch Corporation Ahead of Acquisition
- Name Change Announcement: American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings will change its name to Dauch Corporation on January 26, 2026, as part of preparations for the upcoming acquisition of Dowlais Group, expected to close on February 3, 2026.
- Stock Trading Changes: The new name and ticker symbol “DCH” will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on February 5, 2026, replacing the current ticker “AXL,” while existing stock certificates will remain valid and the CUSIP will not change.
- Shareholder Impact: The company stated that no action is required from shareholders regarding the name or ticker symbol change, aiming to simplify the transition process and ensure shareholder rights are unaffected.
- Financial Outlook: As the acquisition nears completion, American Axle projects sales of $5.8 billion to $5.9 billion and EBITDA of $710 million to $745 million for 2025, reflecting confidence in future growth.
Continue Reading
AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING HOLDINGS, INC. TO REBRAND AS "DAUCH CORPORATION" AND LIST ON NYSE WITH NEW TICKER "DCH"
Company Name Change: American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. is set to change its name to "Dauch Corporation."
New Ticker Symbol: The company will also trade under the new ticker symbol "DCH" on the New York Stock Exchange.
Continue Reading