December 5, 2018

Mentor, OH – Race Winning Brands, Inc., (“Race Winning Brands”, “RWB”, or the “Company”) a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Giannone Performance Products, Inc. d/b/a MGP Connecting Rods (“MGP”), a premium manufacturer of high-performance aluminum connecting rods. MGP represents the fifth add-on acquisition for Race Winning Brands, and Kinderhook’s 60th automotive-related transaction. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Race Winning Brands is the leading manufacturer of high performance and racing related components sold to the automotive and powersports markets. RWB is headquartered in Mentor, Ohio and markets its products globally through a portfolio of leading brands, including JE Pistons, Wiseco Performance Products, K1 Technologies, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance, Dart Machinery, Rekluse Motor Sports, Falicon Racing and ProX Racing Parts.

Founded in 1996, MGP has emerged as the premier manufacturer of aluminum connecting rods for the racing and high-performance markets. By utilizing race-proven design engineering and CNC machining technology, MGP offers designs and quality that surpass the needs of the most demanding engines and engine builders. Proprietary features, such as Cap Interlocking Serration and small end Hard Bore Technology, provide benefits proven to support the rigors of top tier racing. “The company is set to reach full potential now as part of the Race Winning Brands family” said Darcell Giannone, owner and wife of founder Michael Giannone. “I am excited to see the brand continue to grow and prosper in alignment with Michael’s vision for MGP.”

Race Winning Brands CEO Brian Reese stated, “We continue pursuing our vision of leading racers to victory with the best engine parts in the market, MGP is further investment in our expansion to adjacent categories.”

Bob Fox, RWB’s President of Diamond Pistons and Trend Performance, will assume the role as President of MGP Connecting Rods. “MGP is a leader in aluminum racing rods, technology, and manufacturing,” said Fox. “Our plan is to offer customers a high-quality connecting rod that is co-engineered to work perfectly with our pistons.”

Paul Cifelli, Managing Director of Kinderhook Industries, stated, “The acquisition of MGP adds another premium automotive brand to Race Winning Brands’ stable of high-performance products. We are excited for the future of MGP in partnership with RWB.”