Magna enhances seating capabilities with German purchase

Canadian automotive parts supplier Magna International Inc. is expanding its seating business, and also its European footprint, by purchasing a Germany-based maker of seats for buses and light trains.

Aurora, Ont.-based Magna has bought Vogelsitze GmbH, which includes Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Bombardier Inc. and other transportation companies among its customers.

According to a Magna press release, Vogelsitze is expected to report sales of 19 million Euros (Cdn$25 million) in 2011.

Details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

“This acquisition provides us an opportunity to grow our business in the public/commercial transportation area,” said Mike Bisson, president of Magna Seating, an operating group of Magna.