Kinderhook Industries LLC has acquired the operating assets of Collision Diagnostic Services (CDS) from AES Technologies LLC and Automotive Electronic Solution Providers LLC. The acquisition is part of a sale process under Section 363 of the U. S. Bankruptcy Code. Kinderhook is acquiring the CDS assets through a newly created entity that will continue to do business as Collision Diagnostic Services Inc.
CDS, founded in 2010, is a leading provider of patent-protected remote diagnostic solutions and services to the collision industry. With more than 150 years of experience in the automotive electronics and collision industries, CDS provides cutting-edge diagnostics using OEM tools to provide safe and accurate repairs. CDS provides remote diagnostics using its patented Astech device and providing access to ASE-certified Master Technicians, who are trained to be virtual diagnosticians. CDS Master Technicians can service trouble codes remotely as well as provide real-time assistance to shop technicians at the vehicle when needed.
“This is an exciting time to be investing in a technology and services company in the automotive repair business,” said Paul Cifelli, managing director for Kinderhook. “CDS’s proprietary and patented technology represents a great opportunity to bring to market a proven OE quality remote diagnostic program. We are excited about the CDS technology and believe it has the opportunity to significantly streamline certain aspects of collision repair. Given CDS’ intellectual property and Kinderhook’s extensive experience and relationships in the industry, we are confident CDS will become a leading supplier of innovative, technology-driven diagnostic solutions to the collision repair industry.”
In addition, Collision Diagnostic Services today announced the appointment of Doug Kelly as CEO. Kelly will assume responsibility for the general business operations at CDS, including sales, marketing and business development. He also will serve on the company’s board of directors.
Kelly has more than 27 years of management experience in the technology and automotive industries, specializing in implementing innovative concepts and business systems. He has served as president and founder of CynCast Inc., an Enterprise Holdings Company; president of Fix Auto; director of sales for Ventro Corp., and vice president of Professional Services for Industrial Solutions Inc. Both Ventro and Industrial Solutions are B2B technology companies. Prior to that, he spent 13 years in marketing with the DuPont Performance Coatings business. Kelly also has served on the board of the Collision Industry Electronic Commerce Association for the past six years.
“CDS is uniquely positioned to serve the collision repair industry with its patented technology and years of business experience in diagnosing and servicing vehicles,” Kelly said. “With the backing of Kinderhook, CDS is well positioned to capitalize on the growing need to diagnose and service damaged vehicles. As cars become more and more complex, the challenge of servicing them increases exponentially. This is where CDS can help. By providing master tech expertise and OEM diagnostic tools on-demand, CDS can ensure that repairs are done correctly the first time. I am excited to be joining such a great team and look forward to helping repairers verify and deliver quality repairs.”
Cifelli added, “Doug is skilled at building, leading and facilitating teams in the delivery of tangible results in the areas of sales, marketing, operations management, systems integration, implementation, product management, supply chain management, materials management and purchasing. We are excited to have Doug on board.”
