The Carlyle Group has acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Walbro Engine Management, a manufacturer of small engine parts, from Sun Capital Partners. Equity for the investment comes from Carlyle Japan Partners II.
Walbro Engine Management is the world’s largest manufacturer of carburetors and a major manufacturer of ignition systems, fuel injection and air/fuel management components, and fuel storage and delivery components for engines targeted at outdoor power equipment, marine, recreational and two-wheel applications. Walbro has sales, R&D, and production capabilities in Japan and the United States, and also has manufacturing facilities in Thailand, China and Mexico. The company has 2200 employees and is based in Tucson, AZ (www.walbro.com).
“Walbro supports worldwide markets with the aim to be the industry leader in the global small engine market by anticipating customer needs and delivering innovative solutions to a world that demands a cleaner environment. This transaction is consistent with our aim to satisfy increasing global market demands and we plan to leverage Carlyle’s global network to pursue further growth,” said Tony Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Walbro Engine Management.
The Carlyle Group invests in buyouts, growth capital, real estate and leveraged finance in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America focusing on aerospace & defense, automotive & transportation, consumer & retail, energy & power, financial services, healthcare, industrial, infrastructure, technology & business services and telecommunications & media. The firm is based in Washington, DC (www.carlyle.com).
“Walbro is led by a strong management team with outstanding global presence. We will harness Carlyle’s global network and financial resources to help Walbro expand to the next stage of product innovation and realize global growth,” said Kazuhiro Yamada, Managing Director and Co-Head of Carlyle Japan.
© 2012 PEPD • Private Equity’s Leading News Magazine • 9-25-12