January 7, 2025

New York, NY – Kinderhook Industries, LLC (“Kinderhook”), announced today that its portfolio company, Vehicle Accessories, Inc. (“Vehicle Accessories,” “VAI,” or the “Company”), has entered into an agreement to be acquired by RealTruck, Inc. (“RealTruck”).  Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Vehicle Accessories is an integrated manufacturer of functional vehicle accessories including all-weather floor mats, running boards, protective door edge guards, splash guards, body side moldings, bumper protectors, and door sills. Headquartered in Mesquite, TX, Vehicle Accessories produces accessories for leading automotive brands including Toyota®, Lexus®, Ford®, Subaru®, Nissan®, Infiniti®, Honda®, Hyundai®, and General Motors®.

“We’re grateful for Kinderhook’s support over the past five years. Their expertise and resources helped us build a strong, customer-focused business. We’re excited to start our next chapter with the RealTruck family,” said J Pearson, Executive Chairman of VAI.

Tom Tuttle, Managing Director at Kinderhook, stated, “We are ecstatic about this result for both Kinderhook and Vehicle Accessories.  It has been a privilege to partner with J Pearson and the entire VAI team.  We are very proud of all that has been accomplished by VAI and are confident that its success will continue with RealTruck.”

“Through the course of Kinderhook’s investment, Vehicle Accessories has experienced tremendous growth, through both organic initiatives and seven add-on acquisitions. The product offering has expanded from one application to over a dozen product categories,” said Nate Druckenmiller, Principal at Kinderhook.  “VAI’s success underscores Kinderhook’s investment strategy – partnering with world class management teams to aggressively grow businesses both organically and through add-on acquisitions.”

Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal counsel and Piper Sandler & Co. is serving as financial advisor to VAI in the transaction. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025 and is subject to receipt of customary regulatory approvals.

For additional information about this transaction, please contact: 
Thomas Tuttle
Managing Director
(212) 201-6781
[email protected]
 
Nate Druckenmiller
Principal
(212) 201-6791
[email protected]
 
Christopher Flood
Vice President
212-201-6794
[email protected]