STOCKHOLM, Sweden (Dec. 1)—Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems S.A. has agreed to sell its automotive hose business to Trelleborg A.B. for about $35 million. The move allows Trelleborg to solidify its market presence in France and expand it in eastern Europe. The Metzeler hose business, with plants in Walbrzych, Poland; Hradek, Czech Republic; and Cirie, Italy, is headquartered in Mannheim, Germany, and generated $71 million in sales last year with 850 employees. Metzeler Automotive Hose Systems makes components and systems for engine-cooling, vacuum and air-supply applications. The product portfolio includes rubber and silicone hoses. The acquisition, conditional on the approval of the relevant competition authorities, should provide a positive effect on earnings during 2004, Trelleborg said. The deal is expected to be completed by year-end.
Trelleborg to buy Metzeler's auto hose business
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