Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems - North America and GDX Automotive Combine to Form Henniges Automotive

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., Dec. 14, 2007 -- Metzeler Automotive Profile Systems - North America ("MAPS") a portfolio company of Wynnchurch Capital, has completed its acquisition of GDX Automotive. The closure of this transaction and the combination of MAPS and GDX create a new global supplier in the automotive sealing systems industry. In connection with this combination, the newly formed company will assume a new name - Henniges Automotive.

Highly respected in Europe, the Henniges name is derived from GDX Automotive's most recognized brand founded in Germany by Ernst Henniges in 1951. Building upon the brand's strong heritage, Henniges Automotive will offer stronger, more diverse product lines in both sealing and anti-vibration systems globally.

Robert DePierre, chief executive officer of Metzeler Automotive Profiles, will serve as the CEO of Henniges Automotive. DePierre has extensive experience in the automotive industry, having spent twenty years with Benteler Automotive. In 2006, DePierre joined Wynnchurch Capital as an operating partner and served as CEO of Android Industries. Other key positions at Henniges will be held by Rob Barrow, who will assume responsibilities as executive vice president of Global Sealing Systems; Burkhard Bruhl, who will serve as executive vice president of Global Anti-Vibration Systems and Boris Gavric, who will oversee the integration process of the two companies, as Integration Manager.

"As Henniges Automotive, we are better positioned to serve our customers globally, while strengthening our position in North America," DePierre said. "With enhanced capabilities worldwide, I am confident that Henniges Automotive will grow to become a leading supplier of sealing and anti-vibration systems to the global automotive industry."

The global headquarters will be located in Farmington Hills, Mich., and will oversee the management of 18 facilities located in North America, Europe and Asia including: Keokuk, Iowa; Farmington Hills, Mich.; New Haven, Mo; Reidsville, N.C.; Frederick, Okla.; Chester, S.C.; Oakville, Ontario; Welland, Ontario; Guadalajara, Mexico; Gomez Palacio, Mexico; Grefrath, Germany; Rehburg, Germany; Odry, Czech Republic; Ostrava, Czech Republic; Beijing, China; Shanghai, China; and Changchun, China.

About Henniges Automotive

Formed in 2007, Henniges Automotive is a leading supplier of sealing and anti-vibration systems to the global automotive industry. With engineering, manufacturing and supply chain expertise, Henniges Automotive uniquely accommodates customers' needs and provides advanced engineering processes that create smart, safe and secure vehicles. Henniges Automotive has 18 facilities located in North America, Europe and Asia. The combined global operations had sales of $700 million in 2006.

About Wynnchurch Capital

Located in the Chicago suburb of Rosemont, Illinois and founded in 1999, Wynnchurch Capital is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm. Wynnchurch's strategy is to partner with middle market companies in the United States and Canada which have outstanding management teams and possess the potential for substantial growth and profit improvement. Wynnchurch Capital manages a number of private equity funds with capital under management in excess of $500 million specializing in management buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate carve-outs, restructurings and growth capital investments. More information on Wynnchurch Capital can be found at www.wynnchurch.com.