Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE: SMP), a leading automotive parts manufacturer and distributor, announced it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire AX V Nissens III APS, a leading European manufacturer and distributor of aftermarket engine cooling and air conditioning products with a growing array of vehicle control technologies, for approximately $388 million (€360 million) in cash from Nordic private equity firm Axcel and the Nissen family. Nissens has annual revenues of approximately $260 million with a mid-teens EBITDA margin rate.
Mr. Eric Sills, Standard Motor Products’ Chairman and CEO, stated, “We are delighted to announce this acquisition, which will make our combined business the aftermarket leader in North America and Europe in thermal management products. It will also expand SMP’s portfolio of powertrain-neutral product categories.
“We plan to continue operating Nissens as a stand-alone unit, while leveraging the combined strength of the two companies to realize both cost and revenue synergies.
“Founded in 1921, Nissens has a long history of being an aftermarket leader in Europe, with market-leading brand recognition and a reputation as a high-performing supplier of premium products. Led by Klavs Pedersen, Nissens’ strong management team has demonstrated its ability to grow and thrive during challenging times. They enjoy deep market knowledge with well-established customer relationships and an operational infrastructure that has allowed them to penetrate all corners of the continent and beyond.
“We believe the combination with SMP is a powerful one. Both companies have a similar go-to-market strategy of supplying full-line professional grade product offerings, and enjoy complementary product portfolios. Meanwhile, the two companies largely operate in different geographic markets. As such, we believe that we are stronger together, capitalizing on synergies in both markets and strengthening our position in each. Together, we can accelerate growth through cross-selling our product offerings, realize cost reduction through combined resources, and achieve enhanced operational excellence though collaboration and best practices.
“Lastly, we believe that as two 100+ year old companies we have compatible business cultures and will work very well together. We welcome all of the Nissens employees to the SMP family.”
Mr. Klavs Pedersen, Nissens’ Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are very excited to have SMP as our new owner. We have been following SMP’s activities in the US, and we see a lot of similarities in the way SMP and Nissens operate in their respective focus regions. I have personally known the SMP management team for several years, and I believe there is a very strong cultural fit that will support and accelerate the positive development of both companies. We look forward to becoming part of the SMP family.”
Transaction Details
The transaction values Nissens at approximately $388 million, representing approximately 7.5x Adjusted EBITDA after factoring estimated run-rate cost synergies at the mid-point of $10 million. The transaction is expected to be accretive to SMP’s GAAP EPS in the first full year.
The transaction is expected to be completed in the second half of 2024, and is subject to certain closing conditions, including receipt of applicable antitrust and other regulatory approvals.
Advisors
J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is acting as financial advisor, Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP is acting as lead transaction counsel and Plesner Advokatpartnerselskab is acting as lead European counsel to Standard Motor Products. J.P. Morgan Bank N.A., Bank of America and Wells Fargo are providing committed financing for the funding of the transaction.
About Standard Motor Products
Standard Motor Products is the leading manufacturer and distributor of premium replacement parts in the automotive aftermarket and a custom-engineered solutions provider to vehicle and equipment manufacturers in diverse non-aftermarket end markets. Its automotive aftermarket business is comprised of two segments, Vehicle Control and Temperature Control, while its Engineered Solutions Segment offers a broad array of conventional and future-oriented technologies in markets for commercial and light vehicles, construction, agriculture, power sports, and others.
About Nissens Automotive
Nissens is the leading European supplier of thermal management and engine efficiency products fully focused on servicing the resilient and steadily growing independent automotive aftermarket. The Company operates with a distinct multi-brand strategy with offerings to passenger car as well as commercial vehicle applications. Nissens is headquartered in Horsens, Denmark and was founded in 1921.
