Automotive Acquisitions in United States

B&R Auto, a portfolio company of Highview Capital, announced the acquisition of Highway 64 Truck and Auto Salvage. The deal expands B&R’s recycled automotive parts network into New Mexico and extends its Southwestern footprint into Texas for the first time. Highway 64’s Farmington, New Mexico operations will be integrated into B&R’s Western U.S. network to broaden product and delivery capabilities.

CollisionRight acquired the seven-shop Mander Collision and Glass collision-repair MSO in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. The transaction is one of CollisionRight’s largest to date and expands its nationwide footprint to 115 shops, while Mander Collision and Glass will continue operating under its existing brand.

Joe Hudson's Collision Center announced the acquisition of four collision repair locations: Millennium Paint & Body (Horn Lake, Mississippi), Lindley's Auto Body (McAlester, Oklahoma), Golden Collision (Little Rock, Arkansas), and Hourglass Collision (Tulsa, Oklahoma). The acquisitions expand Joe Hudson's footprint in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Arkansas as part of its 2024 growth strategy.

Penske Automotive Group, Inc. announced the acquisition of Bill Brown Ford, a Ford dealership in Livonia, Michigan. The transaction expands Penske’s North America retail automotive footprint in the U.S. Midwest and is expected to add approximately $550 million in estimated annualized revenue.

Kinderhook Industries, LLC acquired Kaizen Auto Care, LLC in partnership with Jacob Tilzer and LNC Partners. Kaizen is a regional collision repair provider headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona with 48 locations across multiple states in the western U.S. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Holman, a global automotive services provider, acquired Leith Automotive Group, a North Carolina-headquartered dealership group. The deal is Holman’s largest retail acquisition to date and is expected to nearly double its retail automotive operations, adding new franchises and Holman’s first auction facility while retaining Leith’s employees and brand.

Sun Auto Tire & Service acquired Carrollton Complete Automotive to support its expansion across Texas. The deal adds Carrollton Complete Automotive’s full-service automotive repair and tire offerings to Sun Auto’s network, extending Sun Auto’s nationwide warranty program and employee benefits to the acquired location’s customers and staff.

Lotus Technology Inc. completed its previously announced business combination with L Catterton Asia Acquisition Corp (LCAA), a SPAC formed by affiliates of L Catterton. Following the transaction, LCAA became a wholly owned subsidiary of Lotus Tech and is expected to be delisted, while Lotus Technology Inc. is expected to begin trading on Nasdaq under the ticker “LOT.”

CenterOak Partners announced the sale of CollisionRight, a U.S. auto body collision repair operator, to Summit Partners. CollisionRight has grown to more than 85 repair centers across nine states since its formation in 2020, and transaction terms were not disclosed.

CenterGate Capital announced that an affiliate has made an investment in TransGo, LLC, a designer and manufacturer of aftermarket parts and kits for automatic transmission repair. Headquartered in El Monte, California, TransGo will continue to be led by President John Landry, and the investment is intended to support the company’s next phase of growth.

Charger Investment Partners’ portfolio company, The Aeromotive Group, merged with Roadster Shop to form a combined automotive aftermarket business. Roadster Shop’s co-founders Jeremy and Phil Gerber will remain involved in the combined company. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Pittsburgh-based #1 Cochran acquired Flynn Automotive Group, adding four dealerships and a collision center in eastern Ohio. The acquired locations include The Honda Store and Donnell Ford (Boardman), Power Chevrolet, Buick, GMC (East Liverpool), Columbiana Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac (Columbiana), and a collision center in Columbiana; deal terms were not disclosed.

Casa Auto Group announced it has acquired Borman Autoplex in Las Cruces, New Mexico, including its Ford, Honda, Hyundai, and Mazda dealerships. The deal expands Casa Auto Group’s automotive retail footprint in the Southwest and brings the Autoplex into Casa’s existing multi-brand dealership operations.

Kian Capital Partners acquired a leading Meineke Car Care Center franchisee in partnership with management to form a new automotive repair platform, PARC Auto. The acquired business comprises 15 Meineke automotive care centers in the Louisville, Kentucky metropolitan area and will serve as the foundation for expansion through new store openings and acquisitions.

O2 Investment Partners invested in and partnered with All County Automotive, Auto Care Plus, EAS Tire & Auto, Victory Automotive Service, and Village Autoworks to form a new automotive service platform, Straightaway Tire & Auto. The combined platform operates 43 locations across multiple US states and will pursue continued organic growth and M&A, with existing leadership teams retaining significant ownership. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Fenix Parent LLC, operating as Fenix Parts, completed the acquisition of the assets of Fox Auto Parts, an automotive recycler and auto repair facility based in Belleville, Michigan. The deal expands Fenix Parts’ Michigan footprint with both full-service and self-service operations and adds production and distribution capacity as part of the Stellex-sponsored Fenix platform.

WOW Carwash acquired Soap City Express Car Wash, an express car wash site in Las Vegas, to expand its footprint in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The transaction is supported by WOW’s prior growth investment from Garnett Station Partners; financial terms were not disclosed. The Soap City location is expected to be rebranded to WOW in the coming weeks.

Palladium Equity Partners and its joint venture affiliate Palladium Heritage partnered with management to create Collision Auto Parts LLC through the simultaneous acquisition and combination of three automotive aftermarket collision repair parts distributors: National Auto Parts, USA. Inc., NAP San Diego, LLC, and National Auto Parts-Oakland, LLC. The combined company will operate six distribution facilities across New Mexico and California serving collision repair customers in the Western United States. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Radial Equity Partners announced a partnership with Multi Parts (MPS), a supplier of non-discretionary replacement parts for the vehicle aftermarket. Transaction terms were not disclosed. The partnership is intended to support MPS’s growth initiatives, including organic growth and potential complementary acquisitions.

Kinderhook Industries recapitalized AWI Holdings, LLC (Auto-Wares) in partnership with management; financial terms were not disclosed. Following the recapitalization, Auto-Wares acquired Lafayette Warehouse, Inc., a North Central Indiana warehouse distributor of OEM and aftermarket automotive parts. Financing for the transactions was provided by a Truist-led debt syndicate.

Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) announced the sale of Whitewater Brands, a portfolio company of Rock Gate Partners and Peninsula Capital Partners, to private equity firm Lincolnshire Management. Whitewater Brands markets and supplies consumables and light equipment to the automotive collision repair, mechanical repair, and dealership markets through an omni-channel model including eCommerce, catalog, and call center sales. BGL served as exclusive financial advisor to Whitewater Brands on the transaction.

Tailwind Capital has completed the sale of RANDYS Worldwide Automotive, a national supplier of branded drivetrain, suspension, and undercar products for the vehicle aftermarket, to Greenbriar Equity Group, L.P. Tailwind will retain an equity stake in RANDYS alongside Greenbriar and management, and the company will continue to be led by CEO Kevin Kaestner from its headquarters in Everett, Washington. Financial terms were not disclosed.

First Capital Partners made a subordinated debt and equity investment to support West Edge Partners' acquisition of Dakotaland Autoglass (DAG). Dakotaland Autoglass distributes and services aftermarket automotive replacement glass and paint & body equipment, operating 12 locations across the Midwest with headquarters in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Hidden Harbor Capital Partners closed its previously announced acquisition of Dayco, LLC, an engine products and drive systems supplier serving automotive and aftermarket industries. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Eagle Merchant Partners, a private equity firm based in Atlanta, invested in Puget Collision, an operator of 19 auto collision repair shops in the Pacific Northwest. Puget Collision’s locations operate within the CARSTAR and Fix Auto franchise systems and are led by owner Joe Morella. Following the investment, Eagle and Morella plan to pursue add-on acquisitions of other repair shops in the region.

Accelerated Brands, the owner of the Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change brand, completed its acquisition of Trademark Car Wash. Following the deal, Accelerated Brands named Miguel Prendes President of Car Wash Operations to oversee a 22-location development pipeline across multiple U.S. states. Accelerated Brands is backed by private equity firm Princeton Equity Group.

FullSpeed Automotive acquired the intellectual property of Kwik Industries, Inc., including ownership of the Kwik Kar brand, and also purchased 25 Kwik Kar-related centers from local independent operators. The deal strengthens FullSpeed’s portfolio of automotive aftermarket service brands and continues its active 2022 acquisition program.

Caymus Equity Partners LLC partnered with Founder and CEO Sean Angues to invest in Overland Vehicle Systems (OVS), a supplier to overlanding and off-road enthusiasts headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California. The investment is intended to support OVS’s high-growth vision by providing capital to expand its product and brand portfolio.

MiddleGround Capital announced the acquisition of TMG Performance Products (TMG) through its portfolio platform Race Winning Brands (RWB). TMG designs, manufactures, and distributes branded performance exhaust systems and air intakes for aftermarket automotive and marine enthusiasts. The deal represents RWB’s fourth add-on acquisition since MiddleGround acquired RWB in December 2021.

Lithia Motors Inc. acquired Henderson Hyundai Superstore/Genesis, a Nevada automotive dealership, from owner Frank Maione. DCG Acquisitions, a Dave Cantin Group company, advised both the buyer and seller on the transaction, and the store will continue operating under the Henderson Hyundai Superstore name.

Wheel Pros, backed by Clearlake Capital, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Transamerican Auto Parts (TAP) from Polaris Inc. TAP is a vertically integrated manufacturer, distributor, retailer, and installer of off-road Jeep and light truck parts and accessories, and generated nearly $760 million in revenue in 2021. The deal is expected to close early in the third quarter, subject to customary closing conditions.

Ronin Equity Partners acquired Currahee Trailers, a trailer OEM dealership with longstanding relationships with national semi-trailer brands and suppliers. Currahee Trailers is headquartered in Mount Airy, Georgia, and the deal was announced by Woodbridge International, which advised Currahee Trailers on the sale.

Big Brand Tire & Service announced the acquisition of 11 tire and automotive service centers in Tucson, Arizona from MPG Tire and Auto Service. The deal increases Big Brand’s Arizona footprint to 35 locations and brings its nationwide total to over 170 service centers; financial terms were not disclosed.

Hidden Harbor Capital Partners, LLC acquired Monster Transmission, LLC, a Brooksville, Florida-based remanufacturer and distributor of custom performance transmissions and torque converters. Monster Transmission sells direct-to-consumer across the United States, and the existing owners will retain an ownership stake and continue operating the business.

Skylark Private Equity Partners, in partnership with management, formed USA Automotive Partners, LLC (USAAP) and acquired Caldwell Automotive Partners (CAP), a Texas-based vehicle upfitter and dealer serving law enforcement and other government entities. The investment is intended to accelerate CAP’s growth through investments in facilities, talent, and product extensions. In conjunction with the transaction, USAAP also acquired Cameron Country, expanding the product line to include Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram products.

Nivel Parts & Manufacturing Co., LLC acquired EPI Performance, a supplier of UTV clutch kits, drive belts, and driveline components. The deal expands Nivel’s presence in the UTV aftermarket parts market by adding the well-recognized EPI brand and leveraging Nivel’s manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution capabilities. Nivel plans a seamless transition of EPI’s talent, vendor relationships, and distribution partnerships to support continued growth.

Del Grande Dealer Group (DGDG) expanded its Northern California footprint through the acquisition of three automotive dealerships in Q1 2022. The acquired stores are Stevens Creek Hyundai and Genesis of Stevens Creek in Santa Clara, California, and Salinas Honda in Salinas, California, adding Honda to DGDG’s portfolio and strengthening its Bay Area and Monterey County presence.

Brookside Capital Partners made an investment in TopDown, Inc., an automotive aftermarket soft goods designer and manufacturer headquartered in North Hollywood, California. The investment (subordinated debt plus an equity co-investment) helped facilitate a majority recapitalization of TopDown led by Valesco Industries, LLC, with additional participation from Patriot Capital and Tecum Capital.

Nivel Parts & Manufacturing Co., LLC acquired System 3 Off-Road, a leading supplier of UTV tires and wheels. The deal expands Nivel into the UTV tire and wheel market and combines Nivel’s manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution capabilities with System 3’s brand and design/engineering strengths. System 3’s products are distributed in partnership with Tucker Powersports and the company’s founder Craig Petersen is the former owner.

Nivel Parts & Manufacturing Co., LLC acquired SnorkelyourATV LLC, a manufacturer of ATV and UTV accessories focused on snorkel kits. The deal combines Nivel’s manufacturing, sourcing, and distribution scale with SnorkelyourATV’s proprietary product line and product development expertise, with founder Kyle Tallman expected to continue supporting growth.

Rainier Partners announced an investment in Wilmar Corporation and its subsidiaries, a Kent, Washington-based supplier and distributor of tools and equipment serving the automotive aftermarket and other end markets. The investment is intended to accelerate Wilmar’s growth across product categories, geographies, and end markets, supporting both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The Cantalini family will retain a significant ownership stake alongside Rainier.

Atar Capital completed the carve-out acquisition of BorgWarner's North American Controls (BWNAC) business, a wholly owned division of BorgWarner. Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, BWNAC supplies transmission and engine solenoids, stop-start accumulators, and hydraulic control modules to automotive and commercial vehicle OEMs across North America.

Morrie's Automotive Group acquired two Michigan auto dealerships, Grand Ledge Ford Lincoln and Merrill Ford Okemos, from owner Barry C. Merrill. The Presidio Group served as exclusive M&A advisor to Merrill in the transaction, which represents Morrie’s first franchise acquisitions in Michigan.

MiddleGround Capital acquired Race Winning Brands (RWB), a designer, manufacturer, and distributor of branded automotive and powersports aftermarket products. RWB is headquartered in Mentor, Ohio and operates a portfolio of performance aftermarket brands, with MiddleGround planning to support growth both organically and through complementary acquisitions.

BRS & Co., a New York-based private equity firm, acquired Tolemar, LLC, a manufacturer and supplier of branded and private-label accessories for UTVs, ATVs, and motorcycles. Tolemar is headquartered in Huntington Beach, California and sells products under brands including Trinity Racing, LA Choppers, and Baron Custom Accessories through distributor and direct-to-consumer channels. BRS intends to partner with Tolemar’s management team to support growth initiatives.

All Star Auto Lights, a portfolio company of Atlantic Street Capital, acquired Jante Wheel and Perfection Wheel to expand into the remanufactured and aftermarket wheel category. Jante Wheel distributes replica alternative OEM wheels nationally, while Perfection Wheel remanufactures OEM wheels for parts distributors and auto repair centers.

Velocity Truck Centers (VTC), part of Velocity Vehicle Group, acquired the Triad Freightliner, Triad Freightliner of Kingsport, West Carolina Freightliner, Carolina Freightliner, and H&H Freightliner businesses (Triad/H&H). The acquisition expands VTC’s commercial vehicle dealership footprint further into the Southeast, adding nine Freightliner and Western Star sales and service locations across northeastern Tennessee and North Carolina.

Brightstar Capital Partners completed its acquisition of XLerate Group, a nationwide used-car auction and remarketing facilitation company, in partnership with XLerate’s senior management team. Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, XLerate operates physical and mobile auction sites across 13 states and also supports digital auction platforms.

Genstar Capital announced the acquisition of Arrowhead Engineered Products, a global provider of proprietary branded aftermarket replacement parts for motorized vehicles and equipment. Arrowhead, headquartered in Blaine, Minnesota, supplies mission-critical replacement parts across end markets including outdoor power equipment, powersports, agriculture, and industrial. Financial terms and the seller were not disclosed.

Bestop, Inc., a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, announced the acquisition of Aluminess, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of off-road aluminum products for trucks, vans, and SUVs. The deal represents Bestop’s ninth add-on acquisition and is intended to expand Bestop’s portfolio of premium off-road and overlanding accessories through broader distribution and product innovation.

Kian Capital Partners, in partnership with management, completed a majority recapitalization of T Sportline, an e-commerce provider of premium aftermarket parts and accessories for Tesla vehicles. Founders Jon Pek and Elie Rothstein will remain involved in day-to-day operations following the transaction.

Race Winning Brands, Inc. (a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries) announced the acquisition of Victory 1 Performance, Inc., a supplier of high-performance titanium and alloy engine valves and related valvetrain components. Victory 1 Performance is headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, and the deal represents the eighth add-on acquisition for Race Winning Brands. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Bestop, Inc., a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, announced the acquisition of Marshall Genuine Products, LLC (MGP Caliper Covers). MGP manufactures high-performance, easy-to-install brake caliper covers for automotive enthusiasts, and the deal represents Bestop’s seventh add-on acquisition.

Velocity Vehicle Group (VVG) has acquired Great West Truck Center, a commercial truck service and dealership business located in Kingman, Arizona. The acquisition expands VVG’s dealership and service network coverage in the Southwest, strengthening its presence along the I-40 and I-93 corridor.

Automotive Keys Group, LLC (AKG), a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, acquired Midwest Keyless, Inc. in partnership with AKG management. Midwest Keyless, based in Spring Grove, Illinois, remanufactures and distributes replacement OEM and aftermarket keyless entry remotes and keys, plus key-cutting and programming equipment. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Wynnchurch Capital, L.P. acquired The Wheel Group (TWG), a designer and distributor of branded aftermarket wheels, specialty tires, and related accessories for the truck, SUV, and car markets. Founded in 1997, TWG serves customers through 20 sales and distribution centers across the United States and Canada and will partner with Wynnchurch to accelerate its growth strategy.

Highline Warren acquired BlueDevil Products, a provider of automotive and motorsport consumable products such as stop leak solutions, fluid additives, and maintenance products. BlueDevil Products, previously a portfolio company of The Starco Group, will add its BlueDevil, Red Angel, and PJ1 brands to Highline Warren’s portfolio as it expands its national manufacturing and distribution platform.

National Carwash Solutions (NCS) entered into a recapitalization transaction with Berkshire Partners, with terms not disclosed. Berkshire Private Equity acquired its position in NCS from AEA Investors.

Wheel Pros, backed by Clearlake Capital Group, has acquired Just Wheels & Tires Co., Inc. (d/b/a TSW), a designer and distributor of proprietary aftermarket custom wheels. The deal expands Wheel Pros’ automotive aftermarket wheel portfolio and represents its eighth acquisition under Clearlake’s sponsorship; financial terms were not disclosed.

Spectrum Automotive Holdings Corp., backed by Cornell Capital, acquired CalTex Protective Coatings, a U.S. manufacturer and administrator of automotive appearance protection and other F&I products. The transaction terms were not disclosed, and the deal closed on May 6, 2020.

CenterOak Partners announced the sale of FullSpeed Automotive, the fourth largest quick lube operator in the U.S., to MidOcean Partners. FullSpeed Automotive is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado and operates auto aftermarket service locations under the Grease Monkey and SpeeDee brands. Financial terms were not disclosed.

CID Capital portfolio company Extra Mile Brands acquired the assets of Mustangs Unlimited, a distributor of 1965–present Mustang parts. Following the transaction, Mustangs Unlimited relocated its operations from Manchester, Connecticut to Reedsville, Pennsylvania, with Extra Mile Brands intending to continue the brand’s parts quality and customer service.

Five Points Capital and Graycliff Partners provided unitranche debt financing and minority equity co-investments to support Alitus Partners' acquisition of ATRO Engineered Systems. ATRO, headquartered in St. Claire, Missouri, designs, manufactures, and distributes polyurethane parts for heavy-duty trucks and equipment, with a leading position in the aftermarket heavy-duty truck category.

Turnspire Capital Partners has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the Goodyear Air Springs business from EnPro Industries. The deal transfers all assets of the business, including brand licensing rights, IP, manufacturing facilities, and real estate in the United States and Mexico, with the company to operate independently under Turnspire’s ownership.

Kinderhook Industries, LLC acquired The Original One Auto Parts LLC (Original One Parts), an automotive aftermarket provider of recycled and refinished certified OEM auto parts. Original One Parts is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and supplies reconditioned and recycled automotive lighting and other parts for collision and mechanical repairs across the United States. Financial terms were not disclosed.

MiddleGround Capital acquired majority ownership of Dura Automotive Systems from Bardin Hill Investment Partners. Dura Automotive Systems is a global designer and manufacturer of highly engineered automotive systems, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and this represents MiddleGround's sixth platform acquisition from its first fund.

Race Winning Brands, Inc., a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC, announced the acquisition of Manley Performance Products, Inc. Manley Performance manufactures high-performance engine components including pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, and valvetrain parts, expanding Race Winning Brands’ performance product lines.

CenterOak Partners-backed FullSpeed Automotive acquired American LubeFast (ALF), a quick lube services provider with 50 locations across Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama. The deal represents FullSpeed's 14th acquisition since CenterOak's majority investment in 2017 and expands FullSpeed's footprint to more than 560 locations. FullSpeed plans to convert ALF locations to the Grease Monkey brand.

Bestop, Inc., a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, announced the acquisition of Softopper, LLC, a designer, manufacturer, and distributor of convertible soft tops for light-duty pickup trucks and SUVs. The deal represents Bestop’s sixth add-on acquisition under Kinderhook ownership; financial terms were not disclosed. Softopper is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado.

Mammoth Holdings, LLC acquired FLCW, LLC d/b/a Finish Line Car Wash, an eight-unit express conveyor car wash operator headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky. Finish Line’s founders, Nancy Bergfield and Chris Presswood, reinvested a significant portion of their sale proceeds into Mammoth and will take ongoing roles with the company.

Kinderhook Industries, LLC acquired RR Manufacturing, LLC and Rocky Ridge Transportation, LLC (together known as Rocky Ridge), an OEM-authorized specialty vehicle manufacturer for light-duty pickup trucks. Headquartered in Franklin Springs, Georgia, Rocky Ridge up-fits new vehicles from major OEMs and sells them to OEM dealers with full OEM warranties; financial terms were not disclosed.

CID Capital has partnered with Corvette America, a manufacturer, distributor, and e-tailer of aftermarket restoration and performance products for Chevrolet Corvettes and Ford Mustangs. The transaction was supported by senior financing from First Merchants Bank and subordinated debt financing from Aldine Capital Partners. CID indicated it is actively seeking add-on acquisitions for Corvette America going forward.

Security Steel Supply Co., a family-owned steel supplier based in Kankakee, Illinois, was sold to Dayton Parts, LLC. Dayton Parts is a portfolio company of AEA Investors LP, and the transaction expands Dayton Parts’ capabilities in leaf spring-related steel supply and components. BDO Capital Advisors served as exclusive financial advisor to Security Steel on the sale.

Directed, a division of DEI Holdings, acquired Alcohol Detection Systems (ADS), a provider of breathalyzer-based ignition interlock devices sold under the Determinator product line. The acquisition expands Directed’s presence in the growing IID market driven by evolving state DUI/DWI remediation regulations. Directed is backed by Charlesbank Capital Partners through its ownership of DEI Holdings.

AP Emissions Technologies (AP Exhaust) has acquired Eastern Catalytic (Eastern Manufacturing, Inc.), a manufacturer of automotive aftermarket exhaust and emissions components. Eastern, headquartered in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, expands AP’s product portfolio and capabilities across catalytic converters and related emissions products. Angle Advisors served as exclusive investment banking advisor to Eastern on the transaction.

Dobbs Equity Partners, LLC completed the recapitalization of The Universal Group Corporation (now operating as The Universal Group LLC), a distributor of leaf springs and suspension components for the truck and trailer industry. The transaction provided partial liquidity to existing owners Annik and Nick Smith, who will retain a meaningful ownership stake and continue leading the business as President and Chief Operating Officer.