Schuler AG Acquires Muller Weingarten AG, Creates World Market Leader in Metalforming Technology


CANTON, Mich., Dec. 17 -- Schuler Incorporated, the North American business unit of global press builder Schuler AG, announced today the completion of a legal takeover process by which its parent company Schuler AG has acquired Muller Weingarten AG. The legal process was completed on September 21, 2007, and the boards of management at the two companies have met to finalize the organizational changes.

Schuler AG now forms the world market leader in metalforming technology with 35 percent world market share, a presence in more than 20 countries, and global market coverage in sales, production and service.

"The acquisition of Muller Weingarten enhances our brand and strengthens our position in North America and the global market," said Tim McCaughey, president and CEO of Schuler Inc. "We look forward to further sharing the benefits of this alliance with our customers: the ability to become more productive, flexible and profitable in today's increasingly competitive environment."

Once the integration process is complete, which Schuler expects to be in the first quarter of 2008, the company plans to leverage operational synergies to support stamping and metalforming operations in North America and around the world.

For Schuler customers in North America, the acquisition means:

o Economies of scale that result in competitive and affordable pricing;
o New innovations that improve customers' efficiencies and ability to
penetrate new markets; and a
o Global service network that provides an even greater portfolio of
services for existing and new product lines.

Schuler Inc., in Canton, Mich., will be the main point of contact for new equipment sales in North America, in addition to service for new and existing Schuler and Muller Weingarten installations in the U.S. and Canada.

Muller Weingarten S.A. de C.V., an independent company, will be the main point of contact for aftermarket service for all Schuler Group brands installed in Mexico. Their new facilities in Puebla, Mexico, are established and well-positioned to serve our customers in this region. Schuler Inc. and Muller Weingarten S.A. de C.V. will work in close cooperation. Learn more at www.mwmexico.com or email info@mwmexico.com.

BCN Inc. in Hastings, Mich., will remain an independent company and will work to service the Bliss, Clearing and Niagara brands in North America. The Schuler Inc. service group and BCN Inc. will be closely aligned to leverage strengths strategically, from engineering and technical support to inventory. Learn more at www.bcn-usa.com or email info@bcntechserv.com.

Schuler Incorporated, headquartered in Canton, Michigan, represents the Schuler Group in North America. The company offers sales, management and project coordination for state-of-the-art metalforming system solutions. Its after-sales service, spare parts, PM programs, retrofit and rebuild programs support new and existing metalforming systems. The Schuler Group's global facilities deliver industry-leading metalforming products, systems and services quickly and cost effectively worldwide. Learn more at www.schulerinc.com or e-mail info@schulerinc.com.

Source: Schuler Incorporated

CONTACT: Kellie Treppa of Schuler Incorporated, +1-734-207-7230, kellie.treppa@schulerinc.com; or

Scott Worden of The Quell Group,
+1-248-649-8900, sworden@quell.com, for Schuler Incorporated

Web site: www.schulerinc.com/
http://www.mwmexico.com/
http://www.bcn-usa.com/

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