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Tomkins Acquisition Positions Trico Products As Global Auto Systems Integrator

28 June 1999

Tomkins PLC Acquisition Positions Trico Products As Global Automotive Systems Integrator

    ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., June 28 -- Tomkins PLC, a leading
international manufacturer and owner of Trico Products Corporation, has
acquired ACD Tridon, a major producer of wiper blades and system components.
Trico will absorb ACD Tridon's wiper and electronics businesses into a
stronger, industry-leading company under the Trico Products name.
    With the acquisition, Trico Products becomes the world's largest wiper
blade manufacturer and one of the largest players in the wiper systems
industry -- number two in North America and third largest in the world.
Additionally, the company now becomes a major global force in its ability to
integrate systems for European, Australian, South American and North American
OEM customers by integrating the product lines of both companies.
    "ACD Tridon's position as a producer of wiper motors and electronics and
its market penetration in Europe and South America will help Trico Products
better meet the needs of its global customers," explained Donald Fletcher, the
company's president.  "With this acquisition, Trico Products gains a
significant manufacturing, marketing and product presence in the European and
South American market.  We see some significant new global business
opportunities in our markets and are poised to capitalize on these
opportunities."
    Company headquarters will remain in Rochester Hills, Michigan.  ACD
Tridon's headquarters (in Smyrna, Tennessee) will be relocated to the
Rochester Hills office.
    Trico Products, headquartered in Rochester Hills, Michigan, is a
subsidiary of Tomkins PLC and now has facilities in Argentina, Australia,
Italy, Mexico and the U.K. as well as North America.  With over 6,000
employees worldwide and sales exceeding one half billion U.S. dollars, Trico
Products is exclusively focused on the design, development and manufacture of
windshield wiper systems and electronic components for the automotive industry
and wiper blades for the aftermarket.