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Mark IV Completes Acquisition of Focon

28 September 2000

Mark IV Completes Acquisition of Focon

    AMHERST, N.Y.--Sept. 28, 2000--Mark IV Industries, Inc. announced today that it has completed the acquisition of Focon Electronic Systems A/S, a division of Sandma Holding A/S. Focon is a Danished-based developer, designer and manufacturer of passenger information systems for the railway industry.
    Focon, headquartered in Sonderborg, Denmark, is Europe's leading producer of integrated information, communication, entertainment and surveillance systems to the passenger train industry. The company, which had sales of $12 million and a backlog in excess of $30 million for the fiscal year ended April 30, has been in business for more than 12 years and employs 90 people.
    Commenting on the acquisition, David Oliver, President of Mark IV Transportation Products Group stated, "We have been looking for a company like Focon, which has significant capacity in products and systems design, and the ability to integrate with our current product offerings. Focon provides great synergistic value with our Mark IV Transportation product line which serves the surface mass transit bus and rail markets. The trend toward industry consolidation both for train and bus manufacturers increases the demands on their suppliers to provide a more comprehensive product line offering and become more effective partners in the global market."
    Kurt Johansson, President of Mark IV Automotive and CEO of Mark IV Industries, commented "We would like to welcome Focon into our Transportation Products Group. In Focon we have found the qualities we look for in acquisitions -- capability in product and system development, recognized brand names, product lines that will enhance our current offerings and excellent management with dedicated employees. Focon products and systems will naturally complement our current product offerings and will enable the company to provide a more comprehensive range of products and systems to mass transit agencies in North America and Europe."
    Henrik Raunkjaer, Managing Director of Focon Electronic Systems A/S, stated "By joining the Mark IV companies, Focon has access to markets, customers and compatible technologies that will allow us to enhance our current products and systems offerings to a broader customer base around the world."