Institute of Spring Technology (IST)

Haldex AB ("Haldex") have reached an agreement with Suzuki Metal Industry Co Ltd ("Suzuki Metal"), a Japanese manufacturer of steel wire, to divest its division Garphyttan Wire. The purchase price, which will be paid in cash, is estimated to SEK 800m on a cash and debt free basis. The transaction is expected to be completed during the period April to June 2009 when the final purchase price will be confirmed.

As announced in 2008 after the acquisition of Concentric, Haldex has actively evaluated structural options in order to optimize the Group structure. Hence, Haldex's strategic rationale for divesting Garphyttan Wire is to focus on segments where the Group can achieve intra-group synergies and sustainable market positions based on innovative and leading products, providing a foundation for long-term growth and good profitability.

Garphyttan Wire is a division with a strong position in the manufacturing of advanced spring wire for use in combustion engines and transmission systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The most important product is valve spring quality wire, which main application is in valve springs for combustion engines. The production facilities are located in Garphyttan (Sweden), South Bend (USA) and Suzhou (China). As per September 30th, 2008 Garphyttan Wire had 471 employees. During the first nine months in 2008 Garphyttan Wire's sales amounted to SEK 870m and the operating profit to SEK 88mm.

Haldex's sales excluding Garphyttan Wire for the first nine months of 2008 is estimated to SEK 5,669m and an operating profit excluding Garphyttan Wire to SEK 213m. The divestment decreases Haldex's proforma net debt to SEK 1,650m as per September 30, 2008 and the net debt/EBITDA ratio to 2.6x(1). The transaction is estimated to result in a capital gain of approximately SEK 400mm.

In addition to customary conditions, the transaction is conditional upon Suzuki Metal obtaining a binding agreement regarding the financing of the transaction, regulatory approval and no material adverse change having a significant and disproportionate effect on Garphyttan Wire compared to comparable companies in industry. Suzuki Metal's financing is supported by a commitment letter from a Japanese bank. The transaction is further supported by Suzuki Metal's largest shareholder Nippon Steel Corporation.

(1)Proforma last twelve months including Concentric.

"We are very happy with this agreement. With the divestment of Garphyttan Wire, we have taken a further step to optimize the Group structure and create a more focused Haldex Group. We are convinced that Suzuki Metal will be a good owner with knowledge to further develop the business strategically. Suzuki Metal's acquisition of Garphyttan Wire entails industrial synergies which cannot be achieved within the Haldex Group", says Joakim Olsson, CDE of Haldex.