Added potency for Armor All and STP
Armor All and STP, two of the most respected and best-known automotive aftermarket brands, are in new global ownership after the completion of a $780 million buy-out.
Previous brand owners, The Clorox Company, of California, recently concluded the total equity transfer of Armor All and STP to the USA private equity firm, Avista Capital Partners.
As a consequence, a new trading company, Armored AutoGroup (AAG), has been established to represent the world-wide interests of both brands, from headquarters in Connecticut, USA.
Wholly-owned subsidiaries have been established internationally, to represent the Armor All and STP brands across all Continents, for the continuation of existing business and future growth.
In the UK, European and the Middle Eastern regions, business is conducted by a new company, Armored Auto UK, headquartered in Brentford, Middlesex.
The acquisition by AAG includes much of the international resource in Armor All and STP product manufacture, R&D facilities, and regional offices, with the new operation also including continuity of key personnel in sales, marketing, production and technical operations.
The long-established Armor All and STP production, packaging and distribution resource in South Wales will also be developed in line with future growth plans.
Commenting on the change of ownership, Simon Walsh, General Manager of Armored Auto UK, said: “It’s an extremely positive development. Our new parent company’s objectives, under the leadership of CEO Dave Lundstedt - the former CEO of Honeywell Automotive Division - are focused on using the global strengths of both Armor All and STP as a platform to drive growth across international markets, and leverage untapped potential.”
Walsh, who has represented Armor All and STP UK and international operations for 14 years, also declared that the Armored AutoGroup has a wider remit for expansion in the International aftermarket:
“The acquisition of Armor All and STP provides an excellent platform for our aggressive acquisition plans, to establish a global group specialising in automotive aftermarket brands,” he confirmed.
