Italian automaker Fiat's chief executive Sergio Marchionne said in a statement that his company may successfully merge with United States' carmaker Chrysler once he decides to buy out the stake in the American unit that they do not own yet.

Owning 58.5% in Chrysler's shares, Fiat aims to acquire the unit's remaining stake owned by VEBA, a healthcare trust affiliated with the United Autoworkers' Union.

The merger between to the automakers is expected to be completed by the end of the year once the two parties agree on the deal price.

VEBA and FIAT did not agree on the value of the 41.5% stake held by VEBA. The companies are expected to start negotiating on the matter sometime this year.

Fiat got a share in Chrysler in 2009 when the American group was bailed out through taxpayers.