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Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate
6 Months Ended
Jun. 24, 2012
Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates [Abstract]  
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate

On June 28, 2010, we executed a share subscription agreement (the Agreement) with Synergies Casting Limited (Synergies), a private aluminum wheel manufacturer based in Visakhapatnam, India, providing for our acquisition of a minority interest in Synergies. As of June 24, 2012, the total cash investment in Synergies amounted to $4.5 million, representing 12.6 percent of the outstanding equity shares of Synergies. Through September 22, 2011, the Agreement provided the company with rights to appoint a member to the Synergies board of directors and veto powers over significant financial policy and operating decisions, and as a result of these provisions, we were able to exert significant influence over Synergies and accounted for this investment under the equity method.

Effective September 23, 2011, the Agreement was amended for certain events and removed the company's rights to appoint a director and its veto powers over significant financial policy and operating decisions. As a result of the amendment, it was determined that the company no longer had the ability to exercise significant influence over Synergies' financial policies and operations, and that the equity method of accounting for our investment was no longer appropriate. Accordingly, effective with the amendment, the company began accounting for Synergies under the cost method of accounting on a prospective basis. Our proportionate share of Synergies operating results was immaterial from our original investment through September 23, 2011. During 2011, a group of existing equity holders, including the company, made a loan of $1.5 million to Synergies for working capital needs. The company's share of this unsecured advance was $450,000, with terms including repayment over 24 months, and bearing interest at 7 percent per annum, payable quarterly. The principal balance as of June 24, 2012 was $346,000.