Lear Corp confirms purchase of Eagle Ottawa

28/08/2014
Lear Corp confirms purchase of Eagle Ottawa
Seating supplier Lear Corporation has confirmed it is to buy automotive tanning group Eagle Ottawa after weeks of speculation about the deal.

Eagle Ottawa, a supplier to carmakers including BMW, Jaguar (pictured), Daimler and Fiat Chrysler, has been in private ownership for nearly 50 years and has annual sales of about $1 billion.

"The acquisition is another important step in strengthening our core seating business, expanding our component capabilities and accelerating profitable sales growth," said Matt Simoncini, Lear's CEO. 

“Eagle Ottawa adds global leather design and development resources as well as technical expertise to our existing surface materials capabilities. It will also enhance the level of craftsmanship and design options that we are able to provide to our customers and increase opportunities for sales growth and diversification."

The deal, valued at $850 million, is expected to close in the first quarter of next year, subject to approval. 

In April, Eagle Ottawa announced it was investing $30 million in its Chinese operations.