The history and future of the Agnelli family, and Nohn Elkan, are closely intertwined with Fiat, and all of its related companies, and with Italy itself.
Italian national pride is on the line any time the sale or merger of Fiat and its relative companies is talked about. Any such merger HAS to be upwardly mobile and beneficial to Fiat et al. Fiat cannot be seen as being sold, sold out, or subservient in any way.
If that were to happen, John Elkan and the Agnellis would have to leave Europe. Sort of like whomever screws up Jeep Wrnagler would not be safe in America.
Right now, Fiat HAS to have Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler to stay alive. So those companies won’t be going anywhere.
Look at any possible mergers through that lens. It makes things a lot more clear, and it rules out most mergers.