With five distribution centers and 22 satellite delivery locations across 16 contiguous states, a leading specialty distributor of aftermarket collision auto parts from New Jersey has a new owner.
On Nov. 18, private equity firm Sentinel Capital Partners announced its acquisition of Totowa’s Empire Auto Parts. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are excited to partner with Sentinel as Empire continues to expand within the large and growing collision parts market,” said Empire Chief Executive Officer Christopher Siebert. “We were looking for four specific criteria when it came to selecting our next partner: support of our strategic vision, an aggressive growth orientation, a strong cultural fit with our team, and industry knowledge and expertise. Sentinel checked all four boxes.”
Empire Auto Parts is a member of the Certified Automotive Parts Association and the Automotive Body Parts Association. – PIXABAY
Founded in 1985, Empire Auto Parts offers same- or next-day delivery. According to an announcement about the acquisition, the company offers more than 40,000 parts, ranging from bumper covers to door mirrors.
In a statement, Sentinel Principal Owen Basham credited the company with establishing a “growth playbook” based on the buying experience and product availability.
“Empire has built a reputation of providing best-in-class service through a hub-and-spoke model which now extends up and down the East Coast,” he said. “We look forward to working with Empire’s talented team as they enter their next chapter of growth.”
Sentinel’s other investments in the vehicle aftermarket space include Cottman Transmission, Holley Performance Products, Nivel Parts and Vintage parts.
