SEYMOUR, Conn., Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Thule, the world leader in
sports utility transportation, is poised for continued growth in North
America with its new division structure of North American Car Accessories,
North American Trailers, and North American Towing Systems. Following the
acquisitions of Valley Industries and SportRack Accessories, Thule created
the Towing Systems Division, which galvanizes the connection between
Thule's Car Accessories and Trailer divisions. For the first time all three
divisions will be showcased under the same roof at the upcoming Specialty
Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, NV, scheduled from
October 31 through November 3, 2006.
    "The North American market is very important to Thule, and we now have
a complete portfolio of products that are linked from the front of the
vehicle to the rear of the trailer for travelers to transport their gear
safely, easily and in style," said Anders Pettersson, President and CEO of
the Thule Group. "We are excited about the prospects for each division, as
well as the programs they are unveiling at SEMA."
    North American Car Accessories (SEMA Booth 30409)
    Based in Seymour, CT, the North American Car Accessories division,
which operates as Thule Inc., develops, manufactures and markets Thule
load-carrying systems of roof racks, rooftop boxes, bike, ski, and
watersport carriers. At SEMA, Thule is launching Thule Professional
contractor grade rack systems. Designed for the demanding needs of trade
professionals, the Professional line features a number of rack systems and
accessories for transporting ladders, conduit, and building materials.
Also, for the first time since its acquisition in September, the SportRack
brand of carrying systems will be presented in the same booth as Thule.
    North American Towing Systems (SEMA Booth 33213)
    Upon completion of the acquisition of Brink International BV, Valley
Industries and SportRack Accessories in September, Thule formed the North
American Towing Systems Division. With Valley as its foundation, the North
American Towing Systems Division develops, manufactures and markets towing
systems and wiring kits. At SEMA, Thule will unveil the repositioning of
the Valley brand, and will present a newly developed fifth wheel hitch as
well as an upgraded brake control system.
    North American Trailers (SEMA Booth 33213)
    The North American Trailer division, which operates as Thule Trailers
Inc., based in Winslow, ME, develops, manufactures and markets trailers for
general transportation needs as well as for ATVs, snowmobiles, motorcycles,
and automobiles. Thule Trailers introduced its Adventure Series line of
galvanized steel trailers at last year's SEMA show. The line quickly gained
popularity in the market for its durability, competitive pricing, and
knockdown design that allows for easy shipping. Following its success, this
year Thule Trailers is introducing an all-aluminum enclosed knockdown model
at SEMA. Additionally, Thule Trailers will be displaying a larger range of
its products than ever before at the show.
    About Thule
    Thule is the world leader within Sports Utility Transportation,
delivering transportation solutions for active families, professionals and
outdoor enthusiasts wanting to transport their equipment by vehicles
safely, easily and in style. The product portfolio comprises load carriers
for cars such as rooftop boxes, roof rails and bike carriers. Additionally,
the company offers snow chains, towing systems, trailers as well as
accessories for motor homes and caravans. Thule has approx. 3,700 employees
at over 30 production and sales locations in all major car markets in North
America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Pro forma sales (including Brink, Valley
and SportRack) exceed US$ 710 million, with Thule's North American
divisions' contributing over US$ 200 million. Thule AB is based in Malmo,
Sweden, and majority owned by UK-based private equity firm Candover
(http://www.candover.com). More information is available at
http://www.thule.com.

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