Automotive components maker High Bar Brands LLC, is acquiring Viking Sales Inc., a maker of polyethylene mud flaps. Terms were not disclosed.
Viking, in Brighton, Mich., makes both rubber and extruded PE mudflaps for original equipment manufacturers of semi-trailer trucks and the aftermarket, including under the Poly-Jec brand.
"We are extremely happy to be partnering with High Bar Brands," said Viking owners Gary and Kathi Kramer, and Elizabeth Spitler. "We feel the fit, culture, and capabilities High Bar Brands brings to Viking will help the brand expand in the industry."
High Bar Brands, based in Owatonna, Minn., owns the Minimizer and Premier Manufacturing brands. Minimizer provides truck parts like lights, slick plates and seats. Premier designs, manufactures and distributes tractor trailer components.
In an Aug. 25 release, the companies said acquiring Viking Sales will allow High Bar Brands to benefit from Viking's relationship with OEMs and manufacturing capabilities, and give Viking access to High Bar's expanded marketing, sales and distribution channels in North America.
"For over 50 years, Viking has provided custom mud flaps to the transportation industry, and we see the addition of those capabilities complimenting the brand portfolio within High Bar Brands," said High Bar President and CEO Christopher Thorpe. "Along with rubber mud flap solutions, Viking also sources raw polyethylene to manufacture industry-leading mud flaps with custom logos. Their offerings, including Viking's rain-guard, anti-spray, and anti-sail technologies, will significantly expand our current portfolio offerings."
High Bar is a portfolio company of Heartwood Partners, a middle market private equity firm in Norwalk, Conn., that has invested in over 100 platform and add-on companies.
"A key element of High Bar Brands' growth strategy is to expand through acquisitions to leverage core competencies of well-established iconic brands," Thorpe said. "To this end, we continue looking for additional growth opportunities to complement our growing portfolio."