Nikola jumps 15% on report that GM could take a bigger stake

• Nikola surged 15% on Wednesday after CNBC's Phil LeBeau said investors should not be surprised if General Motors takes a bigger stake in Nikola.
• General Motors and Nikola earlier this month announced a partnership in which GM would take an 11% stake in the electric-vehicle startup.
• But weeks of controversy surrounding Nikola and its founder, Trevor Milton, have led to intense scrutiny of the deal, which was expected to close on Wednesday.
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Nikola surged as much as 15% on Wednesday after CNBC's Phil LeBeau reported, citing sources, that General Motors could take a bigger stake in the electric-vehicle startup than planned.

"Don't be surprised" if it happens, LeBeau said.

In early September, GM and Nikola announced a $2 billion deal in which GM would take a 11% stake in Nikola in exchange for design, manufacturing, and production services for Nikola's Badger pickup truck.

That deal, which was expected to close on Wednesday, remains up in the air following weeks of controversy surrounding Nikola and its founder, Trevor Milton, thanks in part to a short-seller report from Hindenburg Research alleging that Milton and the company misled and deceived investors.

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Since the report's publication, Milton has stepped down as Nikola's executive chairman.

Talks between Nikola and GM continue, and a deal won't be finalized by Wednesday, according to CNBC.

General Motors traded up as much as 2% on Wednesday.

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