Ford and General Motors in talks with First Brands over rescue financing, FT reports

Jan 26 (Reuters) - Ford F.N and General Motors GM.N are in negotiations with bankrupt car parts supplier First Brands Group over a potential financing package to keep the company operating during its Chapter 11 proceedings, the Financial Times reported on Monday, citing several people familiar with the matter.

The companies are part of a broader group of automakers discussing an arrangement that would involve paying in advance for parts they expect to receive, the FT reported. It added that talks were nearing the "finish line," though a deal could still fall apart.

While multiple manufacturers are involved in the negotiations, Ford is "probably the most exposed and the one that's got the most at risk here," according to the report.

"We continue to monitor the situation with First Brands closely and are working on contingency plans to avoid any potential interruption to our operations," a GM spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Reuters, adding that none of the company's operations have been affected so far.

Ford and First Brands did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Ohio-based supplier makes key components for Ford and GM, including windscreen wiper parts for Ford's F-150 pickup, the newspaper added.

First Brands on Monday said it has begun winding down parts of its North American operations, including its Brake Parts, Cardone and Autolite units, while keeping other businesses running as it seeks buyers for the assets.

The U.S. auto parts maker filed for bankruptcy protection in late September after disclosing liabilities exceeding $10 billion. In its Chapter 11 petition, the company estimated liabilities in the range of $10 billion to $50 billion, while its assets were estimated at $1 billion to $10 billion.

Earlier this month, the company launched a formal process to market and sell itself, either in whole or in parts, as part of its efforts to exit Chapter 11.