Lubner on the PPG Auto Glass Sale

Belron chief executive officer Gary Lubner said he wasn't surprised by the fact that a private-equity firm has signed on to purchase PPG Industries' auto glass business and services unit in an exclusive interview with glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine publisher Debra Levy last week.

"I don't have to tell anyone what a tough market the U.S. automotive market, as well as the OE market, is right now, and a business with the size and complexity of PPG-I think it was going to be difficult to attract industry buyers, so a private equity buyer was the way to go," he said.

As for what the future will hold, Lubner predicted the possibilities-but like the rest of the industry, is not sure what will come of the Kohlberg & Co. purchase of the business.

"Private equities are going to find a way to make a return, and I suspect that they will look at all options," he said. "They will look at every possibility-breaking it up, combining it, diversifying it … "

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