The Coast Distribution System Sells its Stake in European Affiliate
29 September 1997
The Coast Distribution System Sells its Stake in European AffiliateSAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 29 -- The Coast Distribution System (Amex: CRV) today announced it has sold its stake in H. Burden Limited, its European affiliate, to UGC Ltd. of the U.K. The investment, which is carried on the company's books at approximately $5,100,000, was sold for gross consideration of approximately $4,500,000, with $4,000,000 having been paid in cash to the company at the close. "Coast has been pursuing three primary strategic initiatives -- returning our core North American business to profitability, developing proprietary products and expanding our presence internationally," said Thomas R. McGuire, chairman and chief executive officer of Coast. "Given the challenging operating environment of the past several quarters, we recently have had to make strategic choices about how to best deploy our resources going forward. We therefore believe it is prudent for Coast to pull back from its investments in Europe in favor of a more concentrated effort in its core North American market. The proceeds from this transaction will help boost our liquidity and will provide additional funds for proprietary product development. We will continue to evaluate other strategic opportunities as they arise." The Coast Distribution System is a leading supplier of accessories for recreational vehicles (RVs) in both the U.S. and Canada. The company is also a leading supplier of accessories for the pleasure-boat market in the U.S. Coast supplies its 15,000 customers through the company's 18 distribution centers located throughout the U.S. and Canada. Investments in affiliates include RV products distributors in Australia and Mexico, and a manufacturer of RV products in the U.S. SOURCE The Coast Distribution System