June 18, 2003 /TEMPE, Arizona and PARIS, France - Simula Inc.
(AMEX: SMU) and The Zodiac Group (SRD: 12568) announced that Zodiac will
acquire Simula Automotive Safety Devices, Inc. ("ASD"). Under the definitive
agreement, Zodiac will purchase substantially all of the assets and assume
certain liabilities of ASD. The purchase price is $14.3 million subject
to customary post-closing net asset value adjustment and escrows.
Simula has operated ASD since 1996. The division currently has 175
employees with operations in Tempe, Arizona and Ashington, England.
Zodiac had 2002 revenues of approximately $1.5 billion with numerous
operations around the world including Aérazur, its automotive airbag
division based in France and Spain.
Closing is expected in approximately 30 days subject to customary regulatory
filings and closing conditions. R.W. Baird & Company served as financial
advisor to Simula on this transaction, which included the delivery of
a fairness opinion to the Company's Board of Directors.
The sale of ASD represents a major step in Simula's continuing deleveraging
activities. The sale proceeds will be applied to on-going efforts for
debt reduction. As announced in December, 2002, Simula will continue
to pursue deleveraging alternatives including sales of assets, refinancing,
or sale or merger of the Company.
Zodiac is involved in a diverse range of high-tech businesses. The Group
is organized in five segments specialized by market. Three of them operate
in Aerospace market, one in the Marine market and one in Technology.
Zodiac Group Airbag activity is a division of the technology segment.
For more information, go to www.zodiac.com.
Simula designs and makes systems and devices that save human lives.
Its core markets are military aviation safety, military personnel safety,
and land and marine safety. Simula's core technologies include emergency
bailout parachutes, personnel protective equipment, energy-absorbing
seating systems, inflatable restraints, advanced polymer materials,
and lightweight transparent and opaque armor products. For more information,
go to www.simula.com.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: This news release contains forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual
experience to differ materially from that which is anticipated. These
forward-looking statements include statements about an expected asset
purchase and sale transaction, proceeds use, regulatory approvals, closing
conditions, timing, and continuing deleveraging activities. Actual results
may differ materially from those projected. Other risks include those
described herein, in the Company's press releases, and in the Company's
periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.