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Race Winning Brands Acquires Falicon

Race Winning Brands Acquires Falicon

November 7, 2018

Mentor, OH – Race Winning Brands, Inc., (“Race Winning Brands”, “RWB”, or the “Company”) a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Falicon Crankshafts Components, Inc. (“Falicon”), a prominent manufacturer of high performance powersports engine components including crankshafts, connecting rods, camshaft sprockets and racing clutches. Falicon represents the fourth add-on acquisition for Race Winning Brands, and Kinderhook’s 58th automotive-related transaction. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Race Winning Brands is the leading manufacturer of high performance and racing related components sold to the automotive and powersports markets. RWB is headquartered in Mentor, Ohio and markets its products globally through a portfolio of leading brands, including JE Pistons, Wiseco Performance Products, K1 Technologies, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance, Dart Machinery, Rekluse Motor Sports and ProX Racing Parts.

Founded in 1977, Falicon offers both off-the-shelf and custom-made race engine components utilizing extensive CNC machines, crankshaft grinders and gear shaping equipment. Falicon crankshaft assemblies have successfully powered engines to NHRA Pro Stock and AMA Supercross victories, along with leading countless racers and enthusiasts to wins across all powersport segments. Falicon’s former owner, Glenn Salpaka, will continue to play a leading role within the organization as Technical and Operations consultant. “I’m excited about the future of Falicon,” explained Mr. Salpaka. “The RWB team possesses extensive industry experience and resources which will be extremely beneficial for not only Falicon, but our customers. Together, we plan to expand our customer service, capabilities, and technology.”

In addition to retaining the current management team, industry veterans Devin Rickey and Jack Sparks will join Falicon in leadership roles. Rickey, a proven race component engineer and operations leader with most notable experience at McLaren Performance Technologies and Arrow Racing Engines, joins Falicon as General Manager and Chief Engineer. Sparks, ex-President of Carrillo and 40 year veteran of connecting rod design and manufacturing, joins Falicon as Technical Director.

“For decades, Falicon has been known to the powersports racing community as a trusted brand and high-quality manufacturer of crankshafts and connecting rods,” said Brian Reese, Chief Executive Officer of Race Winning Brands. “Falicon products fit perfectly into our engine parts focused strategy. We have already begun investing in the expansion of Falicon’s capabilities and look forward to expanding their offerings quickly. In support of this strategy, we’re updating the business name to Falicon Racing.”

Tom Tuttle, Managing Director of Kinderhook Industries, stated, “We are excited about Race Winning Brands adding another premium powersports brand to its stable of branded products. The strong strategic fit will enable RWB to leverage growth and expansion across the market.”

Falicon will continue operating from their headquarters and manufacturing center in Clearwater, Florida.


About Kinderhook Industries

Founded in 2003, Kinderhook Industries, LLC is a private investment firm that manages over $5.4 billion of committed capital. We have made in excess of 375 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 https://www.kinderhook.com


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, Falicon Racing, CV4, X2 Valvetrain, MGP Connecting Rods, ProX Racing Parts, Dart Machinery, and Manley Performance Products. 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.

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

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