PE-backed Race Winning Brands acquires MGP Connecting Rods

Race Winning Brands, which is backed by Kinderhook Industries LLC, has acquired MGP Connecting Rods, a maker of high-performance aluminum connecting rods. No financial terms were disclosed.

PRESS RELEASE

MENTOR, Ohio (December 5, 2018) – Race Winning Brands, Inc., a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC is pleased to announce the acquisition of Giannone Performance Products, Inc. dba MGP Connecting Rods, a premium manufacturer of high-performance aluminum connecting rods. MGP represents the fifth add-on acquisition for Race Winning Brands.

Race Winning Brands is the leading manufacturer of high performance and racing related components sold to the automotive and powersports markets. RWB is headquartered in Mentor, Ohio and markets its products globally through a portfolio of leading brands, including JE Pistons, Wiseco Performance Products, K1 Technologies, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance, Dart Machinery, Rekluse Motor Sports, Falicon Racing and ProX Racing Parts.

Founded in 1996, MGP has emerged as the premier manufacturer of aluminum connecting rods for the racing and high-performance markets. By utilizing race-proven design engineering and CNC machining technology, MGP offers designs and quality that surpass the needs of the most demanding engines and engine builders. Proprietary features, such as Cap Interlocking Serration and small end Hard Bore Technology, provide benefits proven to support the rigors of top tier racing. “The company is set to reach full potential now as part of the Race Winning Brands family” said Darcell Giannone, owner and wife of founder Michael Giannone. “I am excited to see the brand continue to grow and prosper in alignment with Michael’s vision for MGP.”

Race Winning Brands CEO Brian Reese stated, “We continue pursuing our vision of leading racers to victory with the best engine parts in the market, MGP is further investment in our expansion to adjacent categories.”

Bob Fox, RWB’s President of Diamond Pistons and Trend Performance, will assume the role as President of MGP Connecting Rods. “MGP is a leader in aluminum racing rods, technology, and manufacturing,” said Fox. “Our plan is to offer customers a high-quality connecting rod that is co-engineered to work perfectly with our pistons.”

About Race Winning Brands
Race Winning Brands (RWB) is the leading manufacturer of racing and high-performance parts sold to automotive and powersports markets. RWB is the preferred source for high-end pistons, engine blocks, cylinder heads, intake manifolds, connecting rods, crankshafts, clutches and other engine and driveline-related performance components. RWB markets its products through multiple prominent brands including JE Pistons, Wiseco Performance Products, K1 Technologies, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance, Rekluse Motor Sports, Falicon Racing, MGP Connecting Rods, ProX Racing Parts, and Dart Machinery.

RWB sells to a diverse and unmatched customer base of professional and sportsman racers, engine builders, enthusiasts, OEMs, automotive and powersports dealers and wholesale distributors. RWB is headquartered in Mentor, Ohio with sales offices and manufacturing operations in strategic locations throughout the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia.

For more information, please visit: racewinningbrands.com, jepistons.com, wiseco.com, diamondracing.net, trendperform.com, mgpconnectingrods.com, k1technologies.com, faliconcranks.com, pro-x.com, rekluse.com, and dartheads.com

About Kinderhook Industries
Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that manages over $2.0 billion of committed capital. We have made in excess of 200 investments and follow-on acquisitions since inception. Kinderhook’s investment philosophy is predicated on matching unique, growth-oriented investment opportunities with exceptional financial expertise and our proprietary network of operating partners. Our focus is on middle market businesses with defensible niche market positioning in the healthcare services, environmental / business services, and automotive / light manufacturing sectors. We have a track record of successfully and consistently building industry leaders.
For more information, please visit: www.kinderhook.com