River Associates buys Horsepower Automotive Group
PE Hub reported River Associates acquired the Arizona auto parts group, whose brands serve off-road, overlanding and adventure vehicle owners.
By Amanda Ross · Deals Correspondent
· 2 min read
River Associates has acquired Horsepower Automotive Group, a Chandler, Arizona-based automotive aftermarket business, according to PE Hub. Financial terms, financing details and the seller were not reported.
The transaction adds a group of enthusiast-focused auto parts brands to River Associates’ portfolio at a time when private equity continues to target specialised manufacturing and distribution businesses. PE Hub categorised the deal in industrial and manufacturing.
Horsepower Automotive Group develops, makes and distributes performance components and accessories for vehicles used in off-road, overlanding and adventure applications, PE Hub reported. The company’s products are aimed at owners who modify vehicles for recreation and specialised use rather than standard replacement parts alone.
The group’s brand portfolio includes Flatline Van Co, DV8 Off-Road, Addictive Desert Designs, C4 Fabrication and Rago Fabrication, according to PE Hub. Those brands give the company exposure to multiple niches within the automotive enthusiast market, including vehicle customisation and accessories for outdoor and off-road use.
Chris York serves as chief executive of Horsepower Automotive Group, PE Hub reported. No management changes were disclosed in the report.
Deal structure and market relevance
A private equity acquisition of this type typically places an operating company under the ownership of a financial sponsor, which may provide capital for growth, acquisitions or operational initiatives. PE Hub did not report whether River Associates plans add-on acquisitions, facility expansion, product investment or other changes at Horsepower.
The deal illustrates continued sponsor interest in businesses that combine manufacturing, branded products and distribution. In the automotive aftermarket, demand can come from consumers seeking performance, utility or appearance upgrades, as well as from vehicle communities built around off-road and adventure use.
PE Hub did not provide a valuation, revenue figure, earnings measure or closing date. It also did not identify legal, financial or debt advisers to the parties.
This story draws on original reporting from PE Hub.
