Published:
Cash Technologies Subsidiary Acquires Turbocharger Assets
Cash Technologies, Inc. (NYSE Alternext US: TQ) ("Cash Tech") announced today that its CPI Holdings, LLC subsidiary dba
Champion Parts ("Champion") has acquired certain turbocharger technology
assets of Turbomotive, Inc. and Robert McKeirnan, its founder
("Turbomotive") for $1.75 million. McKeirnan has years of experience with
turbomachinery development, holds numerous patents in bearing and other
mechanical technologies and is Director of Manufacturing at Capstone
Turbine Corporation, a leading developer of microturbine generators.
Champion, a nationally known supplier of fuel system components to auto
parts retailers throughout the U.S., will integrate the turbocharger
products to its product lineup under the brand name Champion
Performance(TM). The company intends to manufacture the turbochargers in
its 210,000 square foot facility in Hope, Arkansas, and distribute them to
its retail customers which represent more than 15,000 retail stores in the
U.S. The products will also be marketed to foreign distributors and
vehicle manufacturers.
Champion's management believes that fuel efficiency and "green" products
have the greatest market potential as environmental and energy conservation
practices come under increasing pressure. The first of such products are
the Turbomotive turbochargers, which are based on patented technology that
management believes makes the products the most efficient and reliable in
the industry.
The market for green automotive products that increase fuel efficiency and
reduce toxic emissions is large and rapidly growing. Tougher environmental
standards, volatile fuel prices and widespread demand for
lower-carbon-footprint vehicles have made green products a dynamic sector
and continued expansion is likely into the foreseeable future.
Turbochargers can increase fuel efficiency by 25% (50% for diesel engines),
reduce emissions by 25%, increase engine power by 50% and keep the engine
cleaner which reduces maintenance costs. Most vehicle manufacturers are
now designing cars and trucks that include turbos, allowing engines to be
smaller, lighter and meet tougher environmental standards while improving
performance.
The turbo market reached approximately $5 billion in 2007, with more than
17 million units produced, and is expected to increase by more than 50%
within 5 years. Demand for turbochargers is international and a turbo unit
manufactured for a foreign car or truck can be sold anywhere in the world
where the same engine is used. OEM and international markets can multiply
the turbocharger sales potential of Champion. The emerging use of
alternative fuels will also increase the demand for turbochargers.
By leveraging Champion's manufacturing capabilities, recognized brand name
and extensive national retail distribution, management believes that
Champion is the ideal conduit for delivering advanced products to the
market and generating substantial sales.
The purchase price is in the form of preferred stock with a face value of
$1.65 million (subject to certain adjustments), with a conversion price
equal to the market price of Cash Tech's common stock with a floor of
$0.75/share and a ceiling of $1.50 per share, and cash payments totaling
$100,000. The assets acquired consist of patents, purchase orders,
manufacturing processes, other intellectual property and tooling. CPI also
intends to hire the Turbomotive principals, including McKeirnan, to assist
in manufacturing and development.
Jerry Bragiel, President of CPI Holdings, stated, "We're very pleased to
complete this acquisition. The auto parts market performs uncommonly well
in a difficult economy as people repair rather than replace their vehicles.
Turbochargers have become the most important fuel efficiency products in
the automotive world today. They wear out under normal use and must
periodically be replaced. As the population of turbocharged vehicles past
their warranty period surges in coming years, Champion will be positioned
to deliver a superior replacement product through its extensive retail
relationships. We believe turbo sales will exceed revenues from the
company's other product segments within a few years."
Matters discussed in this release include forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the PSLRA that involve risks
and uncertainties, and actual results may be materially different. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ include revenues not reaching
expected levels, unexpected competition within the automotive products
industry, anticipated improvements in operating costs and net operating
margins not being realized, failure to complete expected financing, risks
related to management and labor, activity levels in the securities markets
and other risk factors disclosed in Cash Tech's reports to the Securities
and Exchange Commission, including its Forms 10-QSB and Forms 10-KSB on
file with the SEC.
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Tags: ,Automotive:Parts and Accessories, Automotive:RepairandRestoration, Environment:AirPollutionControl, Environment:NaturalResourceManagement, TransportationandLogistics:Trucking, ,CA,LOS ANGELES, CA