Bosch Automotive Acquires Friction Business of Morse Automotive

BROADVIEW, Ill., Sept. 12, 2008 - Robert Bosch LLC has received approval from the relevant antitrust authorities and on September 9, 2008, finalized its acquisition of the friction business of Morse Automotive Corporation. The closing clears the way for the integration of the acquired Morse assets into the newly established Bosch Brake Components LLC as part of Bosch's North American Automotive Aftermarket division.

The acquisition represents Bosch's entry into brake pad and brake shoe manufacturing. This action affords Bosch the opportunity to expand its global position, especially in the North American market, in a manner consistent with its overall strategy for this key growth area.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 271,000 associates generated sales of 46.3 billion euros (over $63 billion) in fiscal 2007. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in roughly 50 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3 billion euros for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering."

In North America, the Bosch Group manufactures and markets automotive original equipment and aftermarket products, industrial automation and mobile products, power tools and accessories, security technology, thermo-technology, packaging equipment and household appliances. Bosch employs approximately 25,000 associates in more than 70 locations throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico, with reported sales of $9.5 billion in fiscal 2007.