BSG close to deal on cabin interior maker

BSG International is close to buying Buderus Sell, the German aircraft seat and lavatory modules manufacturer, and expects to make an announcement "within the next few weeks", said Richard Marton, chief executive.

Buderus, based in Herborn, produces cabin interiors for commercial aircraft and lavatory units for Airbus Industrie through a joint venture with Daimler- Benz Aerospace. Turnover in the last financial year was DM106m (pounds 37m).

Mr Marton added yesterday: "The deal would make the group one of the largest producers of cabin interior products and strengthen its position in our chosen area of automotive and aircraft equipment."

BSG intends to finance the deal from the proceeds of the recent pounds 72m sale of its Bristol Street Motors car dealership arm, a move which was designed to enable the company to focus on its Britax business.

The acquisition would be a big step in this direction, with Britax - best known for its child seat and car safety products - at the heart of its international brand development programme.