06.11.2018

New owner for Trojan

KPS Capital Partners is to acquire Trojan Battery Company through its C&D Technologies business.

Trojan, the market leading supplier of deep traction lead acid batteries to the aerial work platform market, is currently controlled by private equity firm Charlesbank Capital Partners which acquired a majority stake in 2013. Other owners include the Godber family and the management.

Pennsylvania based C&D Technologies manufacturers batteries and standby power systems, it was acquired by KPS in August last year. The acquisition will combine two substantial battery manufacturers with complementary product ranges, to create a business with more than a $1 billion of revenues, eight manufacturing facilities and a strong presence in every major region. The transaction is expected to close by year end.

KPS also owns Taylor Made golf equipment and a number of automotive component suppliers, including Chassis Brakes International and AGG.

Trojan chief executive Neil Thomas said: “Trojan Battery is an industry leader with a great heritage and an amazing team of employees. I am excited about the agreement with C&D and believe that it will secure the company’s future and position it for even greater success in the years ahead. The synergies between Trojan and C&D will create a global leader in energy storage solutions with two iconic brands, quality products and the ability to supply advanced battery technologies to customers around the world.”

Chairman Rick Godber, a member of the family that founded Trojan Battery in 1925, added: “I am enthusiastic about the transaction that is taking place with KPS and C&D. Although this will end 93 years of ownership in Trojan for the Godber family, we all look forward to watching the continued growth and success of the brand and its legacy.”

C&D chief executive Armand Lauzon said: “Given C&D and Trojan’s complementary portfolios of global manufacturing plants, markets and products, this is a highly compelling combination with tremendous strategic value and an exciting multi-segment growth opportunity. We are committed to preserving everything about C&D and Trojan that our respective loyal customers, suppliers and employees have come to expect over the years, while also using our larger scale and resources to take advantage of many exciting new opportunities.”