J.L. French Automotive Announces Filing of Registration Statement For IPO

    MINNEAPOLIS--May 23, 2002--J.L. French Automotive Castings, Inc., today announced the filing of a registration statement for the initial public offering (IPO) of its Class A common stock. All of the securities in the proposed IPO are being offered by J.L. French. The company expects to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay indebtedness under its senior credit facility.
    J.L. French Automotive Castings, Inc., is an independent designer and manufacturer of aluminum die cast components and assemblies for automotive original equipment manufacturers with facilities located throughout North America and Europe. The company manufactures assembly-line ready engine and drivetrain components, such as cam covers, engine front covers, front-end accessory drive brackets, ladderframes, oil pans, timing chain housings, transmission cases and water pump housings.
    This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.