INA subsidiary FAG Kugelfischer Georg Schäfer is buying the French high-tech bearing manufacturer, SNFA, for an undisclosed sum. SNFA, which has a plant in Bristol in the UK, as well as others in Valenciennes (France) and Turin (Italy), produces high-precision bearings for machine tools, special bearings for turbo pumps and radar equipment, and engine and gearbox bearings for aircraft.

The acquisition will expand FAG`s Aircraft and Super Precision Bearings division and is in line with its strategy of focusing on niche markets. FAG vice-president Dr Gerhard Vogel describes SNFA as "an excellent company that fits extremely well with our strategy of expansion in high-tech rolling bearings".

SNFA employs around 700 staff at its three sites.