Lund International, a Portfolio Company of Highlander Partners, Acquires Bushwacker
January 20, 2015 – Buford, GA – Lund International Holding Company, a portfolio company of Highlander Partners, L.P., today announced it has acquired Bushwacker, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Bushwacker”). Bushwacker, based in Portland, Oregon, is a major manufacturer and marketer of branded automotive aftermarket accessories including fender flares, bedrail and tailgate caps, bumper protection products, and trail armor components for Jeeps. Bushwacker also manufactures and markets hood protection products and window visors under the Stampede brand acquired in 2012, which is based in Camanche, Iowa.
Operations will continue to be conducted from the existing facilities and led by Bushwacker’s President and CEO Russ Morgan, who will join the Lund International team. Mr. Morgan commented, “We are excited to partner with Lund International and believe the Bushwacker brand will be a strong complement to Lund’s existing product lines.”
Mitch Fogle, President and CEO of Lund, said, “With the addition of Bushwacker, Lund will enhance its standing as the broadest product line manufacturer of aftermarket automotive accessories and continue to enhance its offerings in each category. We are excited to work with Russ and his team to continue to grow the business.”
Jeff L. Hull, Chairman of Lund and Managing Partner of Highlander, added, “This acquisition, Lund’s fifth since Highlander acquired the Company in 2011, is the largest addition to date and significantly strengthens Lund’s geographic presence and unmatched depth of product offering in the automotive aftermarket accessories market. We are excited to continue leveraging the strength of our brand and distribution capabilities to ensure Bushwacker’s products reach the broadest audience possible. Additionally, Bushwacker will also significantly add to our Jeep offering, which was recently enhanced with our acquisition of Rampage Products, LLC in December 2014.”
Regions Business Capital, as Administrative Agent, along with a syndicate of participating lenders, provided senior financing and AEA Mezzanine Fund III LP provided mezzanine debt in support of the transaction. Deloitte Corporate Finance served as the exclusive financial advisor to Bushwacker in connection with this transaction.
About Highlander Partners, L.P.
Highlander Partners, L.P. is a Dallas-based private investment firm with over $1 billion of assets under management. The firm focuses on making investments in businesses in targeted industries in which the principals of the firm have significant operating and investing experience, including basic manufacturing, food, chemicals, building materials, consumer products, and others. Highlander Partners uses a “buy and build” investment approach, creating value by helping companies grow organically and through acquisitions. For more information, visit www.highlander-partners.com.
About Lund International
Lund International Holding Company is a leading designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded automotive aftermarket accessories for a full assortment of passenger cars and light trucks, as well as the heavy truck category. Its products include Ventvisors®, hood shields, floor mats, fender flares, tonneau covers, storage boxes, nerf bars and running boards, among others. Lund offers the industry’s broadest range of functional body and appearance products that provide customers with ways to customize and personalize their vehicles. For more information about Lund, please visit www.lundinternational.com.