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Dura Automotive Systems and Trident Automotive Complete Merger

30 April 1998

Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. and Trident Automotive Plc Announce Completion of Merger

    MINNEAPOLIS, April 30 -- Dura Automotive Systems, Inc.
(Dura) , and Trident Automotive plc (Trident) announced today
that they have completed the previously announced merger.  The combination
results in the world's leading independent supplier of cable-related systems
for the automotive industry.
    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 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, General
Motors, 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.