Z Capital-backed MSDP acquires ACCEL Performance Group

MSDP, a portfolio company of Z Capital, has bought ACCEL Performance Group. No financial terms were disclosed. ACCEL is a maker of automotive performance parts.

PRESS RELEASE

EL PASO, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–MSDP Group LLC (“MSDP” or the “Company”), a global leader in vehicle aftermarket performance ignition and tuning technology, today announced that the Company has acquired ACCEL Performance Group (“ACCEL”), a prominent performance aftermarket parts manufacturer, with brands including ACCEL, Mr. Gasket, Mallory Ignition, Lakewood, QuickTime and Hays brands. http://accelnation.com/

“The acquisition of ACCEL significantly enhances our position in ignition technology and allows MSDP to expand our product portfolio aimed squarely at diehard racing and street performance enthusiasts,” said Rick Ruebusch, Chief Executive Officer of MSDP. “ACCEL complements our existing brands, providing us with both increased capability and an unmatched footprint in the aftermarket platform. With this complementary acquisition and ACCEL’s impressive portfolio of brands, MSDP has an even greater ability to serve our customers with new, innovative product offerings and a higher level of personal service.”

“The automotive aftermarket is a highly dynamic space with consumers that are deeply passionate about performance, reliability, and heritage as well as the challenges of next-generation vehicles and government regulations,” continued Mr. Ruebusch. “Adding ACCEL to the MSDP family gives us the bandwidth and brands to ensure that we continue delivering value to our customers and stakeholders.”

“ACCEL is a natural fit for MSDP and a valuable addition to the Company’s product portfolio,” said James Zenni, Chairman of MSDP and Chief Executive Officer of Z Capital Partners, L.L.C. (“Z Capital”). “Since making our investment in December 2013, MSDP has experienced significant growth, as well as enhanced its product innovation, brand marketing and distribution strategies. We look forward to the Company’s continued success with the addition of ACCEL and its impressive collection of brands.”

MSDP is a portfolio company of Z Capital.

About MSDP Group LLC
MSDP, headquartered in El Paso, Texas, operates in the street enthusiast, professional racer and powersports markets, where they maintain industry-leading market share positions across all of their product categories under the MSD®, Racepak®, Superchips® and Edge® brands. http://www.msdperformance.com/

About ACCEL Performance Group
ACCEL specializes in performance ignition coils, CD boxes, spark plugs, wires, fuel injectors, filters and pumps. Mr. Gasket is a trusted name, synonymous with engine sealing products and appearance accessories. Lakewood and QuickTime manufacture the world’s best and most complete line of bell housings and suspension products. Hays is a legendary clutch, flywheel and flexplate brand for both street cars and race applications. Mallory Ignition manufactures ignition products for American muscle cars and street rods.

About Z Capital Partners
Z Capital Partners, L.L.C. is a leading private equity firm with approximately $1.9 billion of regulatory assets under management and with offices in Lake Forest, IL and New York, NY. Z Capital pursues a value-oriented approach in private equity that includes making control investments in companies that may require growth capital, balance sheet and or operational improvements.

Z Capital portfolio companies currently have aggregate worldwide annual revenues of approximately $1.5 billion, sell products in over 30 countries, and have in excess of 190,000 associates directly and through joint ventures.

Z Capital’s investors include prominent global sovereign wealth funds, endowments, pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, family offices, wealth management firms and other financial institutions in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. For more information, please visit http://www.zcap.net/.