Hopkins was owned by Friend Skoler & Co., Inc., a New Jersey-based financial sponsor. After seven years, Friend Skoler sought liquidity for the investment. BlackArch Partners was retained to advise on the transaction.
BlackArch’s marketing materials emphasized the stability of the automotive aftermarket and Hopkins’ powerful combination of leading brands, retail reach and product development. BlackArch professionals’ experience in the auto aftermarket led to an efficient process, with access to all the most likely strategic and financial buyers.
The marketing process generated strong interest from a number of potential strategic and financial partners. In June 2011, Hopkins was sold to ONCAP Management Partners L.P., Onex Corporation’s dedicated middle-market private equity platform. ONCAP will support Hopkins’ future growth, leveraging their previous investment experience in the automotive aftermarket.