Affinia Group announced today it has been officially acquired by MANN+HUMMEL, creating one of the world’s largest filter companies. The transaction, which was announced in August 2015, has resulted in a company with more than 20,000 employees and a combined 150 years of leadership in filtration.

Based in Ludwigsburg, Germany, MANN+HUMMEL is a privately held global filtration expert offering filtration solutions to original equipment and aftermarket customers in both the automotive and industrial sectors. MANN+HUMMEL will operate Affinia Group as a new business unit called MANN+HUMMEL Filtration Technology.

The new business unit will remain based in North Carolina in the U.S. and Keith Wilson, previously CEO and president of Affinia, will retain his executive function as president and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL Filtration Technology. Wilson will report to Manfred Wolf, the supervisory board chairman of the acquired company.

The two companies will bring together on- and off-road and industrial filtration solutions. Affinia’s filtration business includes familiar brands WIX and FILTRON, and specializes in the oil, fuel, hydraulic and coolant filter aftermarket.

“The addition of the WIX and FILTRON brands to MANN+HUMMEL strengthen our global presence with an expanded product portfolio and access to new markets,” said Alfred Weber, president and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL. “Our joint 150 years of experience, complementary competencies and 20,000 valued employees worldwide ensure that we will continue to grow and serve our customers with the best in filtration solutions.”