Three firms lead efforts to buy Chrysler, report says

Detailed reviews of Chrysler Group have begun by the Canadian auto parts giant Magna International Inc., Cerberus Capital Management LLC and a team of two other leveraged-buyout firms, Blackstone Group and Centerbridge Partners LP, according to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the discussions.

Chrysler’s German parent, Daimler-Chrysler AG, is considering a sale of its American unit because it continues to struggle to make money.

Weak demand for gas-guzzling pickup trucks and sport-utility vehicles along with expensive pension obligations have prompted analysts to estimate the unit’s value at $3 billion to $5 billion.