Dana and Echlin Shareholders Approve Merger
30 June 1998
Dana and Echlin Shareholders Approve MergerTOLEDO, Ohio, AND BRANFORD, Conn., June 30 -- Dana Corporation and Echlin Inc. announced that their shareholders approved proposals in support of the merger of Echlin with a subsidiary of Dana at the companies' special meetings today. Dana shareholders approved the issuance of Dana Common Stock in connection with the merger and a proposal to increase the number of authorized shares of Dana's Common Stock. Echlin shareholders, in turn, approved the proposal to merge Echlin into the Dana subsidiary. "We are tremendously pleased that the shareholders of both companies have demonstrated their support for this transaction," said Dana Chairman and CEO Southwood J. Morcott. "We look forward to moving ahead with the merger, which will create an even stronger Dana with the resources to be the global leader under the vehicle, under the hood, and in the aftermarket. "This is another key step in our efforts to build shareholder value," he added. Echlin Chairman, President, and CEO Larry McCurdy added, "This is a landmark day for our company. I firmly believe that the merger for which our shareholders have voted will be a positive event for all our constituents, including shareholders, employees, customers, and suppliers." The merger is currently expected to close in mid-July, after the receipt of all required regulatory approvals. Echlin, with annual sales of $3.5 billion, is a leading producer of quality automotive parts, with more than 140 operations and 28,000 employees spread across six continents. It manufactures and distributes brake, engine, power transmission, and steering and suspension system components for the world's 650 million motor vehicles. The company sells these products to a broad base of aftermarket customers, who, in turn, supply them to professional technicians and do-it-yourselfers. It also sells components to original equipment customers for factory installation on new vehicles. Echlin's home page address on the Internet is http://www.echlin.com. Dana Corporation is a global leader in the engineering, manufacture, and distribution of products and services for the automotive, engine, heavy truck, off-highway, industrial, and leasing markets. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, Dana operates facilities in 30 countries and employs more than 50,000 people. The company reported record sales of $8.3 billion in 1997. The Internet address for Dana's home page is http://www.dana.com.