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Bestop acquires Aluminess

Bestop acquires Aluminess

July 21, 2021

New York, NY – Bestop, Inc. (“Bestop”), a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”), announced the acquisition of Aluminess, Inc. (“Aluminess” or the “Company”), a leading designer and manufacturer of off-road aluminum products for trucks, vans, and SUVs, including front and rear bumpers, roof racks, and accessories. Aluminess represents Bestop’s ninth add-on acquisition and Kinderhook’s 113th automotive related transaction.

“At Bestop, we are always looking for ways to help our customers enjoy their driving adventures,” said Bestop CEO, John Larson. “From lightweight, aluminum bumpers to overlanding gear and tire racks, Aluminess makes industry-leading products that help consumers explore new and exciting places. We are excited to welcome them to our growing family.”

“We are excited to pair Bestop’s world-class R&D team and new digital marketplace with another premium brand. We believe this partnership will allow Aluminess to rollout innovative products to their existing customer base while also receiving the benefit of a broader distribution base.” said Tom Tuttle, Managing Director of Kinderhook.

“We are excited to join Bestop’s portfolio of premium brands and to utilize their knowledge and experience as we enter the next stage of our Company’s growth,” said Aluminess founder Dave Hoskins. “Bestop is a perfect fit to continue our commitment to customers and the overland market in providing the highest quality products, service and innovation.”

Monroe Moxness Berg served as legal counsel to Bestop.

For additional information about this transaction, please contact: 
Thomas Tuttle
Managing Director
(212) 201-6781
[email protected]
 
Paul Cifelli
Managing Director
(212) 201-6797
[email protected]
 
Nate Druckenmiller
Principal
(212) 201-6791
[email protected]


About Kinderhook Industries

Founded in 2003, Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that has raised $8.5 billion of committed capital. We have made in excess of 500 investments and follow-on acquisitions since inception. Kinderhook’s investment philosophy is predicated on matching differentiated, growth-oriented investment opportunities with 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 & industrial services, and light manufacturing & automotive sectors.

For more information, please visit https://www.kinderhook.com


About Bestop

Bestop is the one of the world’s largest manufacturers of soft tops and fabric accessories for Jeep vehicles and sole supplier of factory soft tops on all Jeep Wranglers since 1986. Winner of numerous design and innovation awards from Chrysler/Jeep, Bestop offers the finest replacement soft tops for Jeep, plus a host of related fabric accessories and enthusiast-oriented products for both on and off-road use – such as Baja Designs the leader in offroad LED auxiliary lights for your vehicle. The company’s products have an outstanding reputation in the marketplace for their superior design, innovative solutions and high quality that have inspired a loyal following among both Jeep enthusiasts and casual drivers.

For more information, please visit http://www.bestop.com


About Aluminess

Founded in 2001, Aluminess pioneered the use of lightweight aluminum accessories for trucks, vans and SUV’s. For more than 20 years, Aluminess has developed innovative products across a broad line of vehicles and established a reputation for high-end quality and best-in-class customer service. The company’s signature aluminum products are lighter weight than their steel counterparts, are ultra-durable, will not rust, and are proudly “Made in the USA”.

For more information, please visit https://www.aluminess.com/

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