Dana and GKN Sign Agreements on Strategic Alliance
2 September 1999
Dana and GKN Sign Agreements on Strategic Alliance for Advanced Driveline Systems and Modular AssembliesCompanies Accelerate Technological Developments and Improve Customer Speed to Market TOLEDO, Ohio, Sept. 1 -- Dana Corporation announces that yesterday it signed definitive agreements with GKN plc regarding their previously announced strategic alliance. The agreements allow Dana and GKN to establish a joint venture to design advanced driveline systems for all-wheel and four-wheel drive passenger cars, light trucks, and sport utility vehicles, and to collaborate to jointly develop modular assemblies for passenger car and light-vehicle applications worldwide. Dana and GKN also signed definitive agreements to exchange certain assets that will allow each company to focus on their respective core automotive driveline businesses. GKN is a global leader in constant velocity (CV) joint driveshaft technology, and Dana is an established global leader in cardan- jointed vehicle propeller shafts. Under the agreements, Dana will exchange its CV joint business for GKN's cardan-jointed propeller shaft business. These transactions are subject to the approval of appropriate regulatory agencies. "These agreements are examples of Dana's commitment to focus and strengthen our core businesses by following our strategic plan," said Bill Carroll, president of Dana's Automotive Systems Group. "Our relationship with GKN will provide an environment for two global leaders in the automotive industry to share innovative technology, in turn, providing customers with leading edge, advanced driveline systems and modules." Carroll added that Dana and GKN will establish an office in Auburn Hills, Mich., to provide engineers an integrated work environment. The agreements are consistent with Dana's previously announced Five-Point Plan for the continued growth and increased profitability of the company. Dana's Five-Point Plan, which is a tactical link to the company's overall strategic plan, includes the following five tactics: * Grow while focusing on returns and maintaining financial discipline; * Seek strategic, bolt-on acquisitions at reasonable valuations; * Divest non-strategic and non-performing operations; * Repurchase stock as the company generates cash; and * Complete integration efforts and realize synergy savings. GKN is a global industrial company with sales exceeding approximately $6 billion (3.7 billion pounds). Its activities are focused on the automotive, aerospace and industrial services sectors and it has leadership positions in all of its major products and services. GKN employs 39,380 people in its subsidiaries and 19,790 in joint ventures and associates. GKN's Internet address is http://www.gknplc.com . Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest independent suppliers to vehicle manufacturers and their related aftermarkets. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 330 major facilities in 32 countries and employs more than 86,000 people. The company reported sales of $12.5 billion in 1998. Dana's internet address is http://www.dana.com .