Foreigners invest in N. American suppliers; Expansion-minded companies from Asia are especially active.(Suppliers)

Automotive News, July, 2007 by Snavely, Brent

Byline: Brent Snavely

For nearly two years, merger and acquisition pros have said foreign companies were shopping for U.S. auto suppliers. But actual deals were hard to find.

That's changing.

In recent months, several overseas automotive suppliers and manufacturers have invested or contemplated investing in the assets of North American suppliers. Analysts say the trend stems from a growing Asian automotive industry that seeks top technology and global manufacturing capabilities.

Potential sellers in North America include suppliers that continue to face diminishing ...