3M announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Financière Burgienne, a provider of finished license plates under the FAAB and FABRICAUTO brands in France. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The addition of FAAB and FABRICAUTO broadens 3M’s vehicle registration solutions offering beyond reflective sheeting to finished license plates in France. Together 3M, FAAB and FABRICAUTO will better serve customers in France through joint participation in the upcoming new French government vehicle registration program.
Under the new car registration program in France (Système d’Immatriculation des Véhicules or S.I.V.), planned to become effective January 1, 2009, new and used vehicles will receive a new plate with a new identification number and regional logo. As an established provider of license plates distributed throughout France, FAAB and FABRICAUTO are in a unique position to serve the motorist needs created by the new S.I.V.
3M invented reflective sheeting for use on vehicles and road signs and is a long-time supplier of printed, reflective license plate films to FAAB and FABRICAUTO, which distributes finished license plates throughout France via more than 20,000 outlets.
About 3M
A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M’s core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms – often in combination – to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 79,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries. In France, 3M employs more than 3000 people throughout 10 sites. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
Media Contacts:3MDonna Fleming Runyon, 651-736-7646or3M FranceCatherine Hamon, 33-1-30317506orInvestor Contacts:3MMatt Ginter, 651-733-8206orBruce Jermeland, 651-733-1807