September 24, 2024

New York, NY – AWI Holdings, LLC (“Auto-Wares” or “AWI”), a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”), announced today its partnership with Moog Louisville Warehouse, Inc. (“Moog Louisville” or “Moog”) and management. Moog is a leading warehouse distributor of automotive parts and supplies in the greater Louisville, Kentucky and southern Indiana markets. Moog is the 88th acquisition completed by Auto-Wares since its founding. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Both AWI and Moog are dedicated to excellence and customer satisfaction. The strong existing relationship between the companies will continue in this new phase, enhancing service capabilities for customers and bolstering mutual success. Doug Washbish, President and CEO of Moog Louisville, will join the Auto-Wares Board of Directors and executive leadership team. His extensive industry knowledge and leadership will play a crucial role as the two companies integrate operations and pursue new opportunities.

Doug Washbish, President and CEO of Moog Louisville, said, “I am most excited to announce that Moog Louisville Warehouse and its Bumper to Bumper stores have joined forces with Auto-Wares Group of Companies. I’ve had the benefit of working with and sharing ideas with the team at Auto-Wares for some 25+ years, as a member of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. There is no group of stores in the country that better shares the same ‘go to market strategy’ that has defined our company for 60+ years, other than Auto-Wares! Their honesty and integrity in everything they do is a perfect blend for our WORK HARD and BE NICE philosophy we practice!”

Paul Cifelli, Managing Director at Kinderhook, stated, “we are ecstatic about adding Moog and its 20 locations in greater Louisville to the growing Auto-Wares platform. Doug Washbish and his team bring a wealth of experience to the leadership of the combined business, and we look forward to continuing to expand and increase density within AWI’s geographic footprint.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the Moog Louisville Warehouse, Doug Washbish and his excellent team to the Auto-Wares family. This partnership aligns perfectly with Auto-Wares’ strategic goal of expanding our geographic footprint and market density. Doug’s leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we move forward,” said Todd Leimenstoll, CEO of Auto-Wares.

Honigman LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Auto-Wares for the transaction. Financing for the transaction was provided by Twin Brook.

For additional information about this transaction, please contact: 
Paul Cifelli
Managing Director
(212) 201-6797
[email protected]
 
Michael Zoch
Managing Director
(212) 201-6785
[email protected]
 
Kyle Dawson
Vice President
(212) 201-6792
[email protected]
 
Christopher Flood
Vice President
212-201-6794
[email protected]