Johnson Controls signs purchase agreement to acquire C. Rob. Hammerstein Group (CRH) (mit Bild)

Burscheid (ots) -

- Picture is available via epa european pressphoto agency and can
be downloaded free of charge at:
http://www.presseportal.de/pm/19526/?keygroup=bild -

Johnson Controls Automotive Experience enhances its seating
components portfolio through the addition of high-end solutions
for metal and mechanisms

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.

Originaltext: Johnson Controls Automotive Experience
digital press kits: http://www.presseportal.de/pm/19526
press kits via RSS: http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_19526.rss2

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