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LucasVarity Acquires BKL, Inc.

4 December 1997

LucasVarity Acquires BKL, Inc.

    HAMPTON, Va., Dec. 4 -- LucasVarity, the international
automotive, diesel engine, aftermarket and aerospace products and systems
group, has purchased the assets of BKL, Inc., a manufacturer of Electro
Luminescent (EL) lighting products, for an undisclosed amount.  The
acquisition will be managed by Lucas Control Systems in Hampton, Va., a
business of LucasVarity's Electrical and Electronic Systems division.  The
business will continue to operate out of its existing facility in King of
Prussia, Pa.
    The EL technology acquired further strengthens the capability of Lucas
Control Systems to supply additional value added technology for keypads in
consumer products such as cellular phones.  EL provides the backlighting for
the dome switch assemblies and has also become the primary source of
backlighting for Liquid Crystal Displays.  The acquisition also positions
Lucas Control Systems to supply EL to the automotive industry.  Applications
for EL lamps include backlighting in heater/air conditioning control graphics,
backlights for gearshift indicators, dashboard instrument clusters, and many
other applications.
    "The acquisition of BKL is instrumental in improving our strong presence
in the keypad market.  It will enhance our technology lead," said Bob Davies,
vice president and general manager, Lucas Control Systems.  "This reflects our
commitment to provide our customers with a more complete package."
    Lucas Control Systems is part of LucasVarity's Electrical and Electronic
Systems Division, a world class supplier of advanced electronic controls,
wiring and body electrical systems.  LucasVarity designs, manufactures and
supplies advanced technology systems, products and services in the world's
automotive, diesel engine, aftermarket and aerospace industries.

SOURCE  LucasVarity