DexKo Global Inc. (“DexKo”), a global leader in highly engineered trailer running gear, chassis assemblies and related components, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Aguti Produktentwicklung & Design GmbH (“Aguti” or the “Company”), based in Langenargen (Baden-Württemberg, Germany). This strategic acquisition enables AL-KO Vehicle Technology (“AL-KO”) to expand its portfolio to include seats and seating system solutions for commercial and leisure vehicles and to continue the group's strong growth trajectory. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.  

Aguti is a leading provider of seat systems and seat-connections for motorhomes, electric vehicles and specialty vehicles. Since its foundation in 1992, Aguti has been designing seating systems specially tailored to its customers’ requirements for style, flexibility, safety and ergonomics. The company is an innovation leader in the construction of patented special solutions, which are developed and tested in its own center of expertise. Customers value Aguti’s expertise, excellent customer service and track record of product innovation. The acquisition enables AL-KO to continue to execute its long-term growth strategy and further diversify its business. The experienced management team led by company founder and managing partner Andreas Grieger and managing director Sebastian Janssen will remain with the business, and the Aguti brand will also continue in its existing form as a product brand under the AL-KO umbrella brand.

Fred Bentley, CEO of DexKo, commented: "We are very happy that Aguti will become part of the DexKo family. Aguti distinguishes itself through high-quality and innovative products and enjoys an excellent reputation with business partners and customers. It's a perfect match with DexKo. We will continue to pursue such value-adding partnerships that improve our product offering and service level in the future."

Harald Hiller, President and CEO of AL-KO, added: "By integrating Aguti, we are expanding our core business. Thanks to its center of expertise, the company is a leader in the field of flexible and customer-specific solutions. We value Aguti’s significant technical know-how and creative expertise. It is of vital importance to me that the entire Aguti management team is retained in its existing form."

Andreas Grieger commented : "Finding a strong and reliable partner in AL-KO was very important to us, as this will enable us to execute our long-term strategy. It opens up access to additional markets outside of our core business and in new geographies.”

DexKo is a portfolio company of KPS Capital Partners, LP ("KPS"). KPS manages the KPS Special Situations Funds, a group of investment funds with approx. $5.1 billion in assets (as of June 30, 2019).