Sona BLW Precision Forging would be merged with Comstar Automotive Technologies in a reported combination of automotive components suppliers engineered by Blackstone Group, the private-equity firm that controls Comstar and would hold 62% of the new, estimated $60-million business. The principals have not confirmed the proposed transaction, which has been reported in the financial media.
Sona BLW Precision Forging manufactures hot- and cold-forged automotive bevel gears, differential case assemblies, and synchronizer rings, plus steering gears of hydraulic power, manual racks, and pinion steering systems. It also produces steering columns for cars, vans, and light commercial vehicles. It operates two plants in India, three in Germany, and one in Hungary.
Sona’s customers include Audi, Daimler, Maruti Suzuki, Scania, Ford, Tata Motors, and Mahindra and Mahindra, among others.
Comstar designs and manufactures starting and charging systems for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Its customers include Ford, Volvo, Geely, JLR, Aston Martin, and Tata Motors, among others. It produces nearly 4 million starter motors and more than 1 million alternators in India and North America.
The deal is expected to be announced soon, according to reports.