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Related Stories Volvo acquires 12.85% of Scania. (Jan. 26) (Note: To return to this story, click the "Back" button on your browser.)

STOCKHOLM, Sweden (AP) — Volvo announced today that it has increased its stake in rival Swedish truck- and bus-maker Scania to about 15 percent.

Volvo surprised the business community in January with the announcement that it had bought 13 percent of the shares in Scania and that it was seeking to merge.

However, talks between Volvo and the Investor holding company, which holds 45 percent of the shares in Scania, broke down this spring.

Volvo in January sold its small but prestigious passenger car division to Ford Motor Co. for $6.45 billion, saying it wanted to concentrate on its other business areas including trucks, buses,

eavy equipment and marine and aeronautical engines.

The sellers of the latest Scania shares was not disclosed. The purchase, which includes call options, will give Volvo 15.6 percent of the share capital and 15.1 percent of the voting rights once the options are exercised, Volvo said.