ST. PAUL, Minn.-- 3M has entered into an agreement to acquire Financière Burgienne, a provider of finished license plates under the FAAB and FABRICAUTO brands in France. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

3M invented reflective sheeting for use on vehicles and road signs and is a long-time supplier of printed, reflective license plate films to FAAB and FABRICAUTO, which distributes finished license plates throughout France via more than 20,000 outlets.  

“The addition of FAAB and FABRICAUTO broadens 3M’s vehicle registration solutions offering beyond reflective sheeting to finished license plates in France,” said Larry Lair, vice president and general manager, 3M Traffic Safety Systems.

“Together 3M, FAAB and FABRICAUTO will better serve customers in France through our joint participation in the upcoming new French government vehicle registration program,” added Bernard Cicut, managing director, 3M France.  

Under the new car registration program in France (Système d’Immatriculation des Véhicules or S.I.V.), which is to become effective Jan. 1, 2009, new and used vehicles will receive a new plate with a new identification number and regional logo. As the current provider of license plates distributed throughout France, FAAB and FABRICAUTO are in a unique position to serve the motorist needs created by the new S.I.V., according to 3M. 

“FAAB, FABRICAUTO and 3M are a natural fit,” said Patrick Ruffin, CEO, Financière Burgienne. “The combination of FAAB and FABRICAUTO’s reputation, product development skills and unsurpassed account relationships along with 3M’s expertise not only in license plate materials but systems and services will help ensure that the new French registration program is carried out efficiently and with customer service in mind.”  

3M said complementary acquisitions such as this support both the company's core traffic safety systems business and growth strategy to expand into adjacent markets. Financière Burgienne is headquartered in Bourg-en-Bresse, France, and employs 210 people at its Bourg-en-Bresse and Macon sites.  

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.