Merger unites American Racing and Wheel Pros as single entity

Two high performance aftermarket wheel and tire distributors, American Racing and Wheel Pros, have merged.

The combined company will offer a comprehensive portfolio, including the full lineup of existing American Racing and Wheel Pros products. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Randy White, a former American Racing executive who co-founded Wheel Pros in 1994, has been named chief executive officer of the new company. Jody Groce, also a co-founder of Wheel Pros, is the president.

“This merger brings together two leading companies that deliver world-class products and services,” White says. “Together, we have more than two dozen brands and programs serving 25,000 customers in over 30 countries on six continents,” he adds.

“Our customers will now have access to a single provider with an exceptional inventory of in-demand wheel products, a larger and more capable distribution network, and a diversity of product choices that represent the best-known wheel brands in the industry,” White continues.

The integrated distribution company will operate under the Wheel Pros name in the United States and as American Racing overseas. It will continue to distribute the brands currently offered by the two companies.

“This is an incredibly powerful combination that unites two of the best names in the business,” says Rob Joubran, a partner at Platinum Equity, which engineered the transaction. “The pedigree of these two companies is unparalleled. Bringing them together under one roof will provide customers one-stop access to the best brands in the industry.”

Platinum acquired American Racing, the largest manufacturer and distributor of high performance aftermarket automotive wheels in North America, in July 2005. The firm bought Wheel Pros in March 2008.

For more information, visit www.wheelpros.com, www.americanracing.com or www.platinumequity.com.