Wheel Pros sells to Audax Group

Investment firm Audax Group has acquired Wheel Pros, LLC from Platinum Equity. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Wheel Pros is a leading designer, marketer, and distributor of branded aftermarket wheels. The company also distributes performance tyres and accessories. Founded in 1995 with two distribution centres, the company today carries proprietary, leading brands that are recognized across all major vehicle segments and are sold through a national footprint of 25 distribution centres and internationally.

“Wheel Pros is a market leader in the automotive aftermarket industry. We look forward to partnering with Randy White, Jody Groce and the Wheel Pros team to grow the business organically and through strategic add-on acquisitions.”

Geoffrey Rehnert, Co-CEO of Audax Group, said, “Wheel Pros is a market leader in the automotive aftermarket industry. We look forward to partnering with Randy White, Jody Groce and the Wheel Pros team to grow the business organically and through strategic add-on acquisitions.”

Randy White, CEO of Wheel Pros, said, “We are excited to continue growing the business organically and by leveraging Audax’ expertise in identifying and integrating add-ons. I look forward to working with our new partner and creating a larger strategic enterprise.”

Audax Private Equity acquired Wheel Pros from Platinum Equity. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as counsel to Audax. William Blair & Co. advised Wheel Pros. CIT and GE Capital Corporation provided senior debt financing and AEA, Prospect, and Triangle provided junior debt financing.

Audax Group, which was founded in 1999, invests in lower-middle market companies. With offices in Boston, New York and Menlo Park, Audax has over $6 billion in assets under management in its Private Equity, Mezzanine, and Senior Debt businesses.