• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Kinderhook Industries

Kinderhook Industries

  • Investment Philosophy
  • Team
  • Our Portfolio
  • Portfolio News
  • LP Portal

RACE WINNING BRANDS ACQUIRES MANLEY PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

RACE WINNING BRANDS ACQUIRES MANLEY PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS

February 25, 2020

New York, NY – Race Winning Brands, Inc. (“Race Winning Brands”), a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”), is proud to announce the acquisition of Manley Performance Products, Inc. (“Manley Performance”), a top-tier manufacturer of high-performance pistons, connecting rods, crankshafts, and valvetrain components. Manley Performance represents Kinderhook’s 83rd automotive-related acquisition.

“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.”

Tom Tuttle, Managing Director at Kinderhook, stated, “Manley represents a premium automotive brand with high-performance products that fit well within the product categories RWB currently offers. We look forward to the future success of Manley and Race Winning Brands.”

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]


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


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 Performance 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.

Copyright © 2023 Kinderhook Industries. All rights reserved.