Advanced Accessory Systems Sells Towing System Businesses to Thule

Advanced Accessory Systems (AAS), maker of automotive roof racks and towing systems, has sold its towing system businesses in the U.S. and Europe to Thule AB of Sweden for $203 million, subject to adjustments. When the proposed transaction was announced in May, Alan Johnson, AAS president and chief executive officer, said it would "allow AAS management to concentrate all of its energies on our principal business, SportRack Automotive, which is the leading supplier of roof racks to all major original equipment automotive companies."

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI — Advanced Accessory Systems (AAS), maker of automotive roof racks and towing systems, has sold its towing system businesses in the U.S. and Europe to Thule AB of Sweden for $203 million, subject to adjustments.

The assets involved in the sale included three businesses:

* Brink International B.V., A European manufacturer and distributor of towing systems, related accessories and specialized trailers;

* Valley Industries, a North American supplier of towing systems and related accessories; and

* SportRack Accessories Inc., a Canadian manufacturer and distributor of roof racks, rooftop cargo boxes and hitch-mounted accessories.

When the proposed transaction was announced in May, Alan Johnson, AAS president and chief executive officer, said it would "allow AAS management to concentrate all of its energies on our principal business, SportRack Automotive, which is the leading supplier of roof racks to all major original equipment automotive companies."

He said the initiative for the transaction had come from Thule, which had made a substantial offer for the AAS units. Together, the three businesses had revenues of $245 million in 2005, while SportRack Automotive’s 2005 revenues were approximately $200 million.

AAS is owned by Castle Harlan Partners IV, L.P., a private equity limited partnership organized and managed by Castle Harlan, Inc., a leading New York- based private equity investment firm. Castle Harlan acquired AAS in the spring of 2003.