TDS Logistics agrees to buy Mackie Automotive

LONDON, Ont. (June 13, 2001) — TDS Logistics Inc., a privately held supplier of logistics and sub-assembly services for the automotive industry, said it has agreed to buy Mackie Automotive Systems for an undisclosed price.

The transaction is expected to be completed in 60 to 90 days.

Mackie Automotive, based in Oshawa, Ont., specializes in inbound logistics and sub-assembly, primarily in North America for General Motors. It has approximately $100 million US in revenues, 2400 employees, and operations in Canada, the United States, Poland, and United Kingdom. Its primary shareholder is Chase Capital Partners of New York City, and was originally a division of the Mackie Group, the Oshawa-based transportation firm.

TDS, based in London, Ont., has 18 facilities providing sub-assembly and logistics services in Europe, North and South America and Asia. Customers include DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Volkswagen, Audi, Visteon, Johnson Controls, and ArvinMeritor. It employs approximately 2000 people and had 2000 revenues in excess of $100 million US.

“This is a good match,” said Grant Barker, TDS senior vice-president of corporate and legal affairs. “Mackie Automotive is an attractive property. It provides us with an inbound logistics presence, sequencing, and subassembly in North America, where we wanted to be more involved. Our strength is in outbound logistics in Europe, South America, and Asia.”