in 1986, the company was bought by general motors. on 27 august 1993, gm sold the company to bugatti automobili spa owned by businessman romano artioli. in 1996, a majority share in lotus was sold to proton, a malaysian car company. on 24 may 2017, chinese multinational geely announced that was taking a 51% controlling stake in lotus. the remaining 49% was acquired by etika automotive.