The Becker Group Inc (Warren, Michigan / USA) purchased the whole of Gebr. Happich GmbH (D-42097 Wuppertal) as of January 31, 1996 with the objective of "creating a first class international systems partner for automobile interiors". The previous owners of Gebr. Happich GmbH, the Happich family, have sold all of their shares. Both automobile suppliers produced very similar ranges of parts and components for automobile interiors. The new company, Becker-Happich GmbH will be based in Wuppertal. No details were given about the purchase price.

This acquisition creates a global player for automobile interiors. Dr. Gerd Siekmann, the Chairman of the Board of Gebr. Happich GmbH, anticipated that the turnover of the new group, with a workforce of 8,000, will exceed the DM 2bn mark this year; Gebr Happich GmbH had a turnover of DM 1.2bn in 1995. According to Siekmann new projects can now be commenced at shorter notice and be completed more rapidly. All of the large international automobile manufacturers may be supplied from 23 factories in Europe. Becker-Happich GmbH will make completely finished instrument panels and door cladding, complete roof cladding systems as well as components for automobile interiors such as sun visors, central consoles and ash trays. Happich claims to be number 2 in this market segment in Europe.

The Becker Group specializes in the design, development and production of modules for complete automotive interiors. In its 25 production sites and development centres, it supplies mainly the North American automobile manufacturers. Becker achieved a turnover of DM 650m in 1995. Since 1993, Becker has had a 50% share in American Fibrit Inc (Battle Creek, Michigan / USA), a subsidiary of Deutsche Fibrit GmbH (Mülhausener Str. 35, D-47929 Grefrath). Gebr. Happich GmbH purchased Deutsche Fibrit in full in 1995.