Ann Arbor-based RealTruck Inc., a global aftermarket product and accessory brand, has acquired Vehicle Accessories Inc. (VAI) in Texas. Although terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, the company says it is the largest acquisition in its history.
RealTruck is a manufacturer and digital destination of accessories for various brands of truck, Jeep, Bronco, and off-road enthusiasts around the world. It has more than 5,000 associates who operate from 72 total facilities across four continents.
VAI is an integrated manufacturer of protective door edge guards, all-weather floor mats, splash guards, body side moldings, bumper protectors, running boards, door sills, and bed rails for the automotive industry.
The company has developed proprietary and patented manufacturing processes including specialized form rolling, stamping, bending, profile extrusions, and injection molding.
According to RealTruck, the acquisition supports its plans to grow the entire market by “inspiring more people to bring their vehicle to life by accessorizing their vehicles.”
Going forward, RealTruck now has 30 manufacturing facilities in five countries, of which 24 are based in the United States. In addition, the acquisition expands RealTruck’s position across a broader group of both domestic and foreign vehicle manufacturers with a full array of accessories for Jeeps, Broncos, off-road enthusiasts, SUVs/CUVs, and sedans.
VAI sells to leading automotive OEMs including Toyota, Lexus, Ford, Subaru, Nissan, Infiniti, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, General Motors, and Chrysler. Its products are installed post-production and are typically sold to end consumers as part of upgraded protection packages.
“VAI’s expertise in high-quality functional and protective products for all vehicle types, exceptional customer service, and efficient delivery operations is a perfect complement to RealTruck’s current offerings,” says Carl-Martin Lindahl, CEO of RealTruck. “Beyond expanding markets for our collective product offerings through our global aftermarket network and RealTruck.com, it further strengthens our relationships and capabilities with both domestic and foreign customers.”
William Blair served as financial advisor and Latham & Watkins acted as M&A legal counsel to RealTruck. Debt financing will be provided by Jefferies and RBC Capital Markets.
The company’s product portfolio, which includes the Husky Liners total vehicle protection brand, boasts more than 880 patents and pending applications. In addition to its online presence, RealTruck is represented by more than 12,000 dealer network and automotive OEM partnerships.
 in Texas. Although terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, the company says it is the largest acquisition in its history.){kind=link}