Parts, service and equipment sales remained tight in October but acquisitions rose. Whether that upshift is the result of rising business confidence in the supplier, dealer and aftermarket channels or just good deals purchasers need to act on remains to be seen.
Either way, October is the second consecutive month of rising transactions after the market nadir in August. The supplier segment was overwhelmingly the busiest corner of the market in the month, though one enormous transaction did take place in the aftermarket parts distribution world.
The first transaction of the month came in the supplier sector, where Infinity Engineered Products, a Turnspire Capital Partners company, acquired Meklas Otomotiv, a global aftermarket air spring manufacturer from Türkiye. "We are very excited to add Meklas to the Infinity family," said CEO Char Zawadzinski. "The shared resources and capabilities of both businesses will allow us to accelerate growth, better serve customers, and expand into new markets."
Next was Karmak, which on Oct. 13 announced its acquisition of competitor DSI Solutions. “This acquisition is more than just a milestone, it’s a leap forward. We’re combining the strengths of two great companies to better serve our customers, expand opportunities for our employees, and send a clear message to the industry: Karmak is defining the future. We welcome DSI’s talented team and look forward to building the future together,” said CEO Jim Allen.
Back in the supplier sector, Active Thermal Solutions announced Oct. 14 the acquisition of D&B Heat Transfer Products, a Michigan-based provider of radiator and heat-exchanger services. "D&B is a high-quality business with loyal customers and deep regional relationships," said Marty Newell, CEO of Active. "Their culture of hands-on service and craftsmanship aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver the most reliable radiator and heat-exchanger solutions in America."
On Oct. 15, the parties behind the merger of Hino Trucks and Fuso announced their new company will be called ARCHION. The new company will begin operations on April 1. "With ARCHION, we aim to 'deliver the future of commercial mobility' for the benefit of our customers and all stakeholders. With the strong brands Fuso and Hino, we will provide superior products and solutions for our customers and their needs," said new CEO Karl Deppen.
The month closed with the huge announcement that FleetPride and TruckPro have merged, creating a gargantuan aftermarket distribution network with more than 450 locations under the FleetPride name. “This strategic merger is about more than combining two businesses, it's about building a culture that values people, brings best practices from both organizations and drives innovation. Together, we are creating a stronger, faster-growing company,” said CEO Tom Greco.
