The industry-wide trend of brands consolidating under ever-larger roofs continues! This time it is Manley Performance being acquired by Race Winning Brands. If you are not familiar with Race Winning Brands you are certainly familiar with the companies that they own. Dart Machinery, JE Pistons, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance, MGP Connecting Rods, and a host of others.

With this acquisition, RWB strengthens an already stacked portfolio with a company that is world renown for their valve train components and connecting rods. Remember, it was Manley who Ford went to as the supplier for the connecting rods for their SVT cars like the Mustang Cobra. Manley valves, springs, and other components are used far and wide by racers and enthusiasts.

As we have seen with the other brands that RWB has acquired, they remain true to their core, true to their history, and true to what made them successful in the first place. We can totally see the same thing happening with Manley.

RACE WINNING BRANDS ACQUIRES MANLEY PERFORMANCE 

MENTOR, Ohio (February 25, 2020) – Race Winning Brands, Inc., a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC is proud to announce the acquisition of Manley Performance Products, a top-tier manufacturer of high-performance pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, and valvetrain components. “We are excited to join the Race Winning Brands team and partner with a group that leads the racing industry in technology, manufacturing, and innovation,” said Manley Performance President, Trip Manley. “Our mission remains the same; to manufacture the finest quality internal engine components at competitive prices and offer unparalleled customer service.” “Our goal at RWB is to lead racers to victory, and we do that by aligning with companies that are the best at what they do,” said Race Winning Brands President, Bob Bruegging. “Manley is a natural fit within our organization and this partnership is a tremendous opportunity to further grow our performance product lines.”

ABOUT MANLEY PERFORMANCE

Originally founded by Hank Manley in 1966 as Manley Speed Equipment, Manley Performance’s humble beginnings have blossomed into that of a world class manufacturer. Over its 54 years in operation, Manley can boast relationships with industry drag racing legends such as Don Garlits, Bill “Grumpy” Jenkins, and “Jungle Jim” Liberman. In addition, the company’s impeccable reputation for quality has earned them accolades and involvement with OEM manufacturers such as Ford, where Manley exclusively supplied connecting rods for the 2003/2004 Ford SVT (Special Vehicles Team) Mustang Cobra. Manley’s technological prowess has made them an esteemed source for custom valves and their diverse product line provides customers with race-proven components for all walks of motorsports.

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, 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.

ABOUT KINDERHOOK INDUSTRIES 

Founded in 2003, Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that manages over $3.1 billion of committed capital. We have made in excess of 225 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.