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Oxford Automotive, Inc. to Acquire Gessaroli Group

16 March 2000

Oxford Automotive, Inc. to Acquire Gessaroli Group And Expand Modular Closure System Production

    TROY, Mich., March 15 Oxford Automotive, Inc., a leading
automotive supplier, has reached an agreement to purchase Gessaroli Group,
located in Torino, Italy; a leading automotive supplier of locking mechanisms,
latches, stampings, fine blanking and weld assemblies.
    "Gessaroli represents the next step in our strategic plan for controlled
growth," said Steven Abelman, president and CEO of Oxford Automotive.
"Gessaroli is a perfect fit for our modular closure system operations and the
company's history of innovation and problem solving ensures swift assimilation
of our corporate structure and operating procedures."
    The Gessaroli Group's integrated manufacturing operations cover all
functions of design, engineering, die and mold construction, parts production
and assembly for both its plastic injection molded and metal formed components
and modules.
    "This transaction allows the Gessaroli Group to become a part of a very
successful and dynamic global organization which will allow for continued
growth and success serving our primary customer, Fiat Auto," said Agostino
Gessaroli, president of Gessaroli Group.
    "The Gessaroli Group has developed an excellent reputation with its
customers for high quality products and system design solutions," added
Abelman.  "We are especially pleased that Mr. Agostino Gessaroli has agreed to
continue with the company as a member of the board of directors and the
company's outstanding management team, headed by Denis Gessaroli, will
continue to lead the business.  We are very excited about the opportunities
presented through this combination of enterprises."
    The Gessaroli Group employs approximately 180 employees in three
production facilities and is UNI and ISO 9001 certified and AVSQ certification
is in process.
    Oxford Automotive, Inc., headquartered in Troy, Michigan, is a leading
full-service automotive supplier of high quality engineered metal components,
assemblies and modules used by automotive manufacturers.  Oxford currently
operates 26 facilities in five countries with industry leading expertise.