Johnson Controls Signs Purchase Agreement to Acquire C. Rob. Hammerstein Group (CRH)

By Johnson Controls Automotive Experience, PRNE
Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Johnson Controls Automotive Experience Enhances its Seating Components Portfolio Through the Addition of High-end Solutions for Metal and Mechanisms

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Johnson Controls, a global leader in automotive seating systems, interior
components and electronics, signed a purchase agreement to acquire the C.
Rob. Hammerstein Group (CRH). CRH is a leading, global supplier of metal seat
structures and mechanisms and is recognized for its high level of quality.
CRH's headquarters and main development facilities are based in Solingen,
Germany.

"The acquisition of CRH will substantially enhance our seat product
offering as it will advance our strong market position through global
manufacturing capabilities, innovation and further optimization of our
portfolio," said Beda Bolzenius, Vice President, Johnson Controls and
President, Automotive Experience. "We will maintain the CRH brand name as it
is synonymous with high quality metal structures and components."

The acquisition creates new opportunities for global growth and vertical
integration in the premium vehicle segments where CRH has a proven track
record.

CRH's expertise includes the complete product development process, from
design, engineering and manufacturing of the individual components to the
integration of the complete seat system. Its products and capabilities
include front seat structures, seat tracks and height adjusters, multi-way
adjusters, power gear boxes, as well as special applications such as steering
column adjusters.

This transaction also will enable Johnson Controls to provide new
technology and product solutions for its customers that will differentiate
the company from its competitors.

"Through the combination of CRH's advanced technology capabilities, such
as its highly precise gearbox units, with Johnson Controls' electronic body
controller knowledge enables us to provide entirely new solutions in all
automotive mechatronic applications," said Bolzenius.

CRH's sustainable products and technologies include slim seat structures
which provide lightweight solutions. When combined with Johnson Controls'
operational expertise, these solutions will help reduce component weight for
future vehicles.

"This transaction marks a very significant step in our history. We have
carefully analyzed Johnson Controls' proposal and concluded that it clearly
represents a unique opportunity for the CRH Group to best meet the future
challenges of our industry, such as fast growing globalization and platform
standardization, said Robert Houston, CEO of CRH. "Together both companies
intend to establish a best in class metal-organization within the global
seating components business, which will be a milestone for CRH and will honor
our family owned company."

The CRH business will be integrated into the Johnson Controls metal and
mechanisms unit that is part of its recently carved out seating components
group within the Automotive Experience business. The metal and mechanisms
unit as well as the entire seating components group are led by Johannes
Roters
, Group Vice President and General Manager Seating Components. It also
includes dedicated units for trim and fabrics, as well as foam.

CRH employs approximately 3,600 employees in nine countries. The combined
manufacturing footprint will facilitate growth particularly in China, Mexico,
Turkey, Hungary, and Romania,

Completion of the acquisition, which is subject to customary regulatory
approvals, is expected by the end of January 2011. Financial details
regarding the transaction were not disclosed.

Johnson Controls is a global diversified technology and industrial leader
serving customers in over 150 countries. Our 130,000 employees create quality
products, services and solutions to optimize energy and operational
efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced
batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and interior systems for
automobiles. Our commitment to sustainability dates back to our roots in
1885, with the invention of the first electric room thermostat. Through our
growth strategies and by increasing market share we are committed to
delivering value to shareholders and making our customers successful.

Johnson Controls Automotive Experience is a global leader in automotive
seating, overhead systems, door and instrument panels, and interior
electronics. We support all major automakers in the differentiation of their
vehicles through our products, technologies and advanced manufacturing
capabilities. With more than 200 plants worldwide, we are where our customers
need us to be. Consumers have enjoyed the comfort and style of our products,
from single components to complete interiors, in over 200 million vehicles.

Further information is available from:

    Johnson Controls GmbH
    Automotive Experience
    Industriestrasse 20-30
    51399 Burscheid

    Ulrich Andree
    Tel.: +49(0)2174-65-4343
    Fax: +49(0)2174-65-3219
    E-mail: ulrich.andree@jci.com

Further information is available from: Johnson Controls GmbH, Automotive Experience, Industriestrasse 20-30, 51399 Burscheid; Ulrich Andree, Tel.: +49(0)2174-65-4343, Fax: +49(0)2174-65-3219 E-mail: ulrich.andree at jci.com

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