Lombard Accelerates 3.5X Auto Gain

SAN FRANCISCO, July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Lombard Investments announced today that it had fully exited its investment in Somboon Advance Technology PCL ("SAT"), one of Thailand's leading auto parts manufacturers, earning a return of 3.5 times its investment.  In 2004, Lombard was the first institutional investor to back the then-privately held family company, and worked with the family to launch a successful IPO and build its car and light truck parts business, successfully diversifying into agricultural equipment parts.  For the first quarter of 2011, Somboon's sales reached a record of $59 million.

Somboon's President, Mr. Verayut Kitaphanich said, "Mr. Surasak Khaoroptham of Lombard has been an invaluable member of our board since we were a private company, and we have requested that he remain as an independent director after Lombard's divestment.  We've received valuable strategic and operational advice from Lombard, and formed a deep, professional relationship that we wish to continue."

About Lombard:

Lombard is a leading international private equity investment manager with offices in Bangkok, Hong Kong and San Francisco, and extensive working relationships in Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai and Taipei.  Formed in 1985, Lombard has made more than 90 controlling and significant minority investments throughout Asia and North America.  The firm's investors include some of the world's largest and most respected financial institutions, major pension funds and corporations, as well as family investment offices in Asia, North America and Europe.  The investment in Somboon was made through Lombard's Thailand Equity Fund. (www.lombardinvestments.com)

About Somboon Advance Technology PCL:

As the core of the Somboon Group, Somboon Advance Technology and its subsidiaries rank among Thailand's leading first-tier Original Equipment Manufacturers ("OEM") suppliers of auto parts. Established in 1941, Somboon began as a dealer and trader of vehicle parts.  As the business grew, the company pioneered the local manufacturing of automotive spring products in 1962, one of the first such manufacturers in Thailand. Somboon later started manufacturing drive shafts, brake, engine and suspension parts, with an emphasis on the one-ton pick-up truck segment.  Recently, Somboon has entered the electric and agricultural vehicle sectors. The company has earned numerous accolades and awards for its operational and environmental achievements from major automakers including Toyota, Honda, Isuzu and Mitsubishi Motors. (www.satpcl.co.th)

SOURCE Lombard Investments