Premium Guard Inc. (PGI), creator of PUREFLOW, advanced breathable air filtration technology, announced it has completed the acquisition of IPC Global Solutions (IPC), private label filter supplier and the creator of the ECOGARD brand of filtration products. As part of the transaction, PGI also partnered with Trive Capital, the Dallas-based private equity firm.
The deal was finalized on December 30, 2021. The new combined company will employ over 600 people and operate approximately 1,000,000 sq. feet of warehouse space throughout North America. This merger, along with the acquisition of Interfil in Mexico in November 2020, will expand PGI’s robust global sourcing platform to deliver a full suite of automotive filtration products and aftermarket solutions.
The announcement was made by Anan Bishara, CEO and president of PGI, who noted, “This is a new chapter in PGI’s history. We competed with IPC for the last 26 years, which has pushed both companies to raise the ceiling and flourish. The merger will capitalize on the combined strengths and synergies. We will push forward with our core competencies to provide the aftermarket with industry leading service, complete solutions, best-in-class-quality products, and leading application coverage at compelling prices.”
Mike Bowden, EVP and chief development officer at IPC Global Solutions added, “Both PGI and IPC have celebrated a rich history in the automotive filtration market, and we are very excited to join forces together in a quest to deliver more value to our customers.”
Bishara noted, “In the near term, we will continue to operate as two companies so there is no disruption of business, and all of our customers will continue to receive the same high-quality service and products to which they have been accustomed.”
“Trive is thrilled to partner with Premium Guard in connection with this transaction, combining two leaders within the automotive aftermarket filtration industry. We look forward to providing operational support and strategic guidance as Premium Guard executes on the exciting growth opportunities that lie ahead,” said Chris Zugaro, partner at Trive.