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Hidden Creek Industries to Acquire Hadley Auto Transport

22 December 1999

Hidden Creek Industries to Acquire Hadley Auto Transport

     MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 21 -- Hidden Creek Industries ("HCI")
announced today that it has acquired Hadley Auto Transport, Inc. and its
affiliates ("Hadley"), a leading automotive transport company based in Santa
Ana, Calif.  Hadley, which will continue under the direction of the current
management team, provides transport services to the automotive manufacturers,
including Ford and Chrysler.  Hadley has annual revenues in excess of
$100 million.
    HCI and its partner Onex Corporation will acquire a majority of Hadley's
currently outstanding shares.  Certain current stockholders of Hadley will
retain ownership of 20 percent of the company.
    The acquisition is part of HCI's overall strategy of leading the
consolidation of tier 1 specialized design, engineering, manufacturing,
assembly, transportation and accessory suppliers to the automotive industry.
HCI has formed Automotive Performance Industries ("API") to provide the
leadership and resources necessary to successfully implement this strategy.
    "The acquisition of Hadley fits perfectly with the API strategy of
acquiring well-managed, industry-leading companies that are well-positioned
for growth and continued success," said John Barr, chief executive officer of
API.  "Being part of API further enhances Hadley's ability to expand
geographically and from a service offering basis."
    Hidden Creek Industries is a privately held industrial management company
based in Minneapolis.  Hidden Creek Industries is also affiliated with Tower
Automotive, Inc., Dura Automotive Systems, Inc., Trim Systems, Inc., and
J. L. French Automotive Castings, Inc.