TROY, Mich., March 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Noble International, Ltd. announced ArcelorMittal intends to invest $50 million in the Company in the form of a convertible subordinated note. The proceeds from this financing will be used to reduce the Company's North American senior debt and support its operations. In a separate transaction, Robert Skandalaris, Noble's Chairman and Founder, has agreed to sell to ArcelorMittal substantially all of his shares in the Company. Thomas L. Saeli, Chief Executive Officer of Noble stated, "ArcelorMittal is the world's largest steel manufacturer as well as Noble's largest supplier, customer and shareholder. Its commitment to invest $50 million in Noble will ensure a strong capital structure for the company as we continue to expand in the global marketplace. In addition, ArcelorMittal's proposal represented the most favorable terms and conditions when compared to the other proposals we received through our extended financing efforts. ArcelorMittal currently has a significant investment in the Company through the shares it acquired in connection with the Company's acquisition of its laser welding business. As part of that transaction, ArcelorMittal obtained the right to acquire additional shares in the Company from our Chairman, which it is now electing to exercise. We believe that the financing provided by ArcelorMittal and the acquisition by it of additional shares is advantageous to the Company and should not be considered a 'bailout' as has been reported by certain media outlets." Mr. Skandalaris, Noble's Chairman, commenting on the transactions stated, "I am very excited by ArcelorMittal's increased involvement with the Company. This represents a tremendous opportunity for Noble. Over the last ten years this Company has grown from one plant with $30 million in revenues to a truly global, strategically-aligned company with revenues over $1 billion and 24 facilities in twelve countries around the world. Over the next ten years, the Company must focus on increasing and enhancing its global presence and strengthening its relationship with its strategic partners and OEMs. Noble's relationship with ArcelorMittal provides a significant advantage over its competitors as it strives to achieve these goals. I believe ArcelorMittal's desire to increase its investment and share ownership demonstrates its enthusiasm for the future of the Company and its commitment to Noble's success. If these transactions close, I will step-down as Chairman, but I leave this Company in capable hands with a future that I could not have imagined ten years ago." The transactions are expected to be completed within the next couple of weeks. SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT Noble International, Ltd. is a leading supplier of automotive parts, component assemblies and value-added services to the automotive industry. As an automotive supplier, Noble provides design, engineering, manufacturing, program management and other services to the automotive market. Noble delivers integrated component solutions, technological leadership and product innovation to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier I automotive parts suppliers thereby helping its customers increase their productivity while controlling costs. Certain statements made by Noble International, Ltd. in this presentation and other periodic oral and written statements, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, as well as statements which address operating performance, events or developments that we believe or expect to occur in the future, including those that discuss strategies, goals, outlook or other non- historical matters, or which relate to future sales or earnings expectations, cost savings, awarded sales, volume growth, earnings or a general belief in our expectations of future operating results, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made on the basis of management's assumptions and estimations. As a result, there can be no guarantee or assurance that these assumptions and expectations will in fact occur. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to materially differ from those contained in the statements. Some, but not all of the risks, include our ability to obtain future sales; our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; changes in worldwide economic and political conditions, including adverse effects from terrorism or related hostilities including increased costs, reduced production or other factors; costs related to legal and administrative matters; our ability to realize cost savings expected to offset price concessions; inefficiencies related to production and product launches that are greater than anticipated; changes in technology and technological risks; increased fuel costs; work stoppages and strikes at our facilities and that of our customers; the presence of downturns in customer markets where the Company's goods and services are sold; financial and business downturns of our customers or vendors; and other factors, uncertainties, challenges, and risks detailed in Noble's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Noble does not intend or undertake any obligation to update any forward looking statements. For more information see http://www.nobleintl.com/. DATASOURCE: Noble International, Ltd. CONTACT: Scott A. Kehoe, Treasurer, Noble International, Ltd., +1-248-519-0700 Web site: http://www.nobleintl.com/

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