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Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. and Trident Automotive plc Enter Into Definitive Merger Agreement

9 April 1998

Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. and Trident Automotive plc Enter Into Definitive Merger Agreement

    MINNEAPOLIS, April 9 -- Dura Automotive Systems, Inc.
("Dura") and Trident Automotive plc ("Trident") announced today
that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement.  The agreement is
subject to regulatory approval and the transaction is expected to close during
the second quarter.  The combination will result in the world's leading
independent supplier of cable-related systems for the automotive industry.
    Under the merger agreement, Dura will pay Trident shareholders
approximately $87.5 million in cash and will assume Trident's outstanding
indebtedness.  Trident had revenues of approximately $300 million in 1997, of
which 69 percent was derived from sales of cable assemblies and the balance
from door handle assemblies, lighting and other products.  Approximately
68 percent of Trident's revenues were generated in North America, 27 percent
in Europe, and the remainder in Latin America.  Collectively, the merger of
Dura and Trident had combined pro forma 1997 revenues of approximately
$825 million.  Trident's operations are headquartered in Michigan with
manufacturing and technical facilities in Michigan, Tennessee, Arkansas,
Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Brazil.
    Dura's president and chief executive officer, Karl Storrie, said, "The
combination of Dura and Trident, with its excellent people, products and
facilities, will create the clear global leader in cable actuated driver
control mechanisms.  The cross section of geographic positioning and technical
and manufacturing capabilities will provide substantial synergies and
opportunities to provide greater value to our customers.  An important
consideration in our evaluation of this transaction was the quality of
Trident's personnel and their match with Dura's culture and values.  Together,
we will be able to more effectively capitalize on growth opportunities in
excess of our individual capabilities."
    S.A. Johnson, chairman of Dura, added, "The combination of Dura and
Trident will result in a very strong global organization.  Our development
efforts will focus on building on our global strengths through internal
development and continued strategic acquisitions."
    J. Richard Jones, chairman of Trident, stated, "With the trends toward
systemization and globalization, the business fit and expanded capabilities of
the combination of Trident and Dura are responsive to customer needs while
providing long-term opportunities for employees."
    Following the merger, Johnson will continue as chairman of Dura and
Storrie will be Dura's president and chief executive officer.  Jones will
remain chairman of Trident.  Furthermore, Jones will be vice chairman of Dura
and serve on its board of directors.
    Dura has obtained a commitment from Bank of America to provide the funding
for the acquisition.  Other long-term financing alternatives are being
evaluated.
    Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., is a leading designer and manufacturer of
driver control systems, engineered mechanisms and cable-related systems for
the global automotive industry.  The company's products include parking brake
systems, automotive cables, transmission shifter systems, latches, underbody
tire carriers, jacks, brake, clutch and accelerator pedals and other
mechanical assemblies.  The company's products are sold to major North
American original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), including Ford, General
Motors and Chrysler, as well as Japanese OEMs, including Toyota and Honda.
The company's European and Latin American facilities support Ford, GM,
Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW, PSA (Peugeot and Citroen) and various other OEMs.
Dura's operating headquarters is in Rochester Hills, Mich., and its corporate
office is in Minneapolis, Minn.

SOURCE  Dura Automotive Systems, Inc.