press review - Chassis Brakes International

PRESS RELEASE
CHASSIS BRAKES INTERNATIONAL EXPANDS ITS GLOBAL
FOOTPRINT TO THE USA
Chassis Brakes International as a global platform to partner with key players within the automotive industry
Detroit, Michigan (January 19, 2015) -- Chassis Brakes International (CBI), part of the portfolio of companies of KPS group and
leading innovative braking solutions provider, announces today the creation of Chassis Brakes International USA Inc. to serve the North
American Market and confirms its position of global Business partner across the 5 continents.
CBI’s capability to deliver world class quality, global standards and regional solutions are key assets that have been acknowledged across the
automotive industry. Indeed, recent global awards continue to confirm CBI’s position as one of the world’s leaders in providing innovative
braking solution such as APB and Zero drag solution.
Hence CBI geographical coverage will enable the company to take its customers to the next level by combining a reinforced global presence
and a local approach with twenty one facilities and engineering centers.
Thomas Hall has been appointed Regional President of Chassis Brakes International USA Inc. He will report to Martina Merz, Global
CEO Chassis Brakes International.
Martina Merz Global CEO Chassis Brakes International, said: “We are delighted to announce, by the formation of Chassis Brakes
International USA Inc., another step to expand the CBI global footprint and support our Customers in the North American Market. Given the
opportunities we see in the region, the time was right to increase our presence and to offer continued innovation. I’m pretty confident that
combining our passion for customers with a strong capacity in developing cutting edge technologies would make the difference.
Thomas Hall, Regional President of Chassis Brakes International USA Inc., said: “I am looking forward to the next stage. The formation of
Chassis Brakes International USA Inc. allows CBI to meet the needs of our Global Customers with solutions that are local to their North
American operations. The North American market will benefit from new investment and expertise enabling us to offer fresh and exciting
products to our clients.”
About Chassis Brakes International
Chassis Brakes International Group, part of the portfolio of companies of KPS Group, is one of the world’s three largest manufacturers of automotive
foundation brakes and foundation brake components. The Group’s primary products, which include solutions as brake calipers, disk brakes, drum brakes, and
parking brakes, are dedicated to original equipment manufacturers and various aftermarket channels. The company has successfully served its global vehicle
manufacturers for more than 90 years. The Group employs 6,000 associates in twenty-one manufacturing facilities and engineering centers in Europe, Asia,
Australia, North and South America.
www.chassisbrakes.com
About KPS Capital Partners, LP
KPS is the manager of the KPS Special Situations Fund, a family of investment fund with over $6 billion of assets under management. KPS seeks to realize
significant capital appreciation by making controlling equity investments in companies across a diverse range of manufacturing industries. The KPS
investment strategy is based primarily upon partnering with top management teams and improving the operations of businesses. Thereafter, upon achieving
stability and profitability, KPS focuses on growing its businesses, both organically and through strategic acquisitions. KPS portfolio companies have
aggregate annual revenues of approximately $7 billion, operate 93 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries, and employ over 37.000 associates, directly and
through joint ventures worldwide.
www.kpsfund.com
Martina Merz, Global CEO Chassis Brakes International
Martina Merz is an automotive Entrepreneurship Leader graduated from Stuttgart Berufsakademie where she got a Mechanical Engineering Master degree.
From 1996 to 2012, She had been handled key roles within Robert Bosch GmbH Company. She was commercial plant manager and
technical plan manager from 1998 to 2001. In 2001, she was appointment as CEO of Bosch Schliesssysteme GmbH, a fully owned
subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH. In 2005, she was promoted as Executive Vice-President for Sales & Marketing and member of the
Executive Board of Management of Robert Bosch GmbH, Chassis Brakes Systems division.
Further to the acquisition of the division by KPS Group in 2012, Martina Merz has been appointed CEO of the company. Her
ambition is to take the company to the next level as the leader for foundation brakes systems and components.
Contact : Jean-Marie Vinas - +33 (0)603266784 – [email protected]