Shield MandA sells Carlyle`s Flexible Lamps to US giant Penske for $40m

Released on = December 4, 2006, 4:27 am

Press Release Author = Shield Corporate Finance

Industry = Financial

Press Release Summary = BY ACQUIRING UK'S FLEXIBLE LAMPS, PENSKE CREATES THE WORLD'S
LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LIGHTING COMPANY.

Major US automotive group United Components Inc. (UCI) (in the Carlyle portfolio)
today announced the $40m sale of its UK subsidiary, Flexible Lamps to Truck-Lite
Inc., a subsidiary of Penske Group, the major US automotive sales, leasing and
racing group, founded by legendary American road-racer, Roger Penske, owner of
Penske Racing. London-based international divestiture specialists Shield Corporate
Finance served as financial advisor to UCI on the transaction.

Press Release Body = BY ACQUIRING UK'S FLEXIBLE LAMPS, PENSKE CREATES THE WORLD'S
LEADING COMMERCIAL VEHICLE LIGHTING COMPANY.

Major US automotive group United Components Inc. (UCI) (in the Carlyle portfolio)
today announced the $40m sale of its UK subsidiary, Flexible Lamps to Truck-Lite
Inc., a subsidiary of Penske Group, the major US automotive sales, leasing and
racing group, founded by legendary American road-racer, Roger Penske, owner of
Penske Racing.

London-based international divestiture specialists Shield Corporate Finance served
as financial advisor to UCI on the transaction. The deal was noteworthy not only for
creating a global leader in lorry lighting, but also for securing the future of a UK
business and its final salary pension fund. In a landmark transaction for the UK
Pension Regulator, clearance was given to a strong strategic buyer without requiring
a special contribution to the pension fund.

Keith Zar, General Counsel of UCI, said "This transaction will enable UCI to focus
on its core North American aftermarket businesses. Shield did an outstanding job in
representing us in the UK, running a global auction and securing a bright future for
an excellent business".

David Young, MD at Shield Corporate Finance, said "This is a brilliant outcome for
all involved: Carlyle's UCI can now focus on its core US operations, safe in the
knowledge that the jewel of Flexible Lamps will continue to sparkle in its new
global setting at Truck-Lite".

Flexible Lamps, famous for its 'Rubbolite' brand, is Europe's leading manufacturer
of commercial vehicle lighting systems, supplying the likes of DaimlerChrysler,
Volvo, Scania and Renault. The sale represents an endorsement of a UK business
founded in 1924, whose early customers included W.O. Bentley and HRH Prince George.

END

Editors Notes:

About Shield Corporate Finance:

Shield Corporate Finance is an M&A advisory firm specialising in international
divestitures. Shield Corporate Finance differentiates itself through its dedication
to the pursuit of remarkable results for sellers. In a world of financial advice
driven by the interests of buyers, Shield Corporate Finance is unique in the way it
defends the interests of sellers.

In addition to considerable expertise and success in handling sale execution
mandates and the commercial aspects of contract negotiations, Shield Corporate
Finance delivers unique consultancy services in sale preparation (the 'Sale Fitness
Programme') and pre-sale value improvement (the 'Value Builder Programme').

Operating internationally as well as throughout the UK, Shield Corporate Finance has
offices in London, Cambridge and Poole, representatives in Beijing and Johannesburg,
and alliances with Soft Bank in Japan and Kingsway and Tianyi Securities in China.
We work in English, German, French, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Flemish and
Afrikaans, preferring mother tongue communication with clients and counterparts
whenever possible.

Our website, http://www.shield.uk.com, provides client references, including a video
case study. Please contact us on +44 (0)20 7031 8265.

Sale - Sale Preparation - MBO Advice - Valuation - Acquisition - Negotiation Support
- M&A Training

http://www.shield.uk.com/flexible_lamps_deal


About United Components Inc.:

United Components, Inc. is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of a
broad range of filtration products, fuel and cooling systems products, engine
management systems, driveline components and lighting systems, for the automotive,
trucking, marine, mining, construction, agricultural and industrial markets.

UCI operates through an established network of manufacturing facilities,
distribution centers and offices located throughout the United States, Europe,
Canada, Mexico and China with a global work force of more than 6,600 employees.

Flexible Lamps Ltd. is a leading international supplier and manufacturer of quality
heavy duty vehicle lighting equipment.

Flexible Lamps began in 1924 as the original patentee of rubber vehicles lights and
has been a leading producer for the past 80 years under the trade name 'Rubbolite'.
Early customers included W.O. Bentley and HRH Prince George of Hanover.
http://www.ucinc.com http://www.flexible-lamps.co.uk


About Truck-Lite Co. Inc.

For 50 years, Truck-Lite Co., Inc has provided the highest in quality heavy duty
lighting products and safety systems in the world. Combining unique ideas with
advanced technology, Truck-Lite offers innovative and cost-effective products, and
stands as the See & Be SeenŽ provider of the transportation industry.

A leading manufacturer of LED, sealed & bulb-replaceable safety lighting and
accessories, harness systems, mirrors, forward and warning lighting, conspicuity
products and point-of-purchase support, Truck-Lite continues to meet and exceed the
highest industry standards.
http://www.truck-lite.com

For further information, images or interviews, please contact Shield's David Young
on 07980 235 964 or DY[at]shield.uk.com or Christian Olsen on 07920 179 021 or
CO[at]shield.uk.com.




Web Site = http://www.shield.uk.com/flexible_lamps_deal

Contact Details = SHIELD CORPORATE FINANCE - The specialists in growing & selling
businesses - with remarkable results

25 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 9DS, UK

Telephone: +44(0)20 7031 8265
Fax: +44(0)20 7031 8268
Email: enquiries[at]shield.uk.com
http://www.shield.uk.com

Sale - Sale Preparation - MBO Advice - Valuation - Acquisition - Negotiation Support
- M&A Training

  • Printer Friendly Format
  • Back to previous page...
  • Back to home page...
  • Submit your press releases...
  •