Penske seeks $1 billion for Truck-Lite

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Reuters / May 15, 2015

Transportation services company Penske Corp. is exploring a sale of Truck-Lite Co. in a deal that could value the maker of lighting, wiring harnesses and mirrors for trucks at close to $1 billion, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Penske, a company controlled by billionaire former race car driver Roger Penske, owner of the eponymous racing team, has hired investment bank Robert W. Baird & Co. to run an auction for Truck-Lite, the people said this week.

Truck-Lite has annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization of around $100 million, the people added.

The sources asked not to be identified because the sale process is confidential. Representatives for Penske, Truck-Lite and Robert W. Baird did not respond to requests for comment.

Based in Falconer, N.Y., Truck-Lite manufactures lighting and safety accessories for the heavy-duty truck, trailer and commercial vehicle industries.

Founded in 1955, Truck-Lite was acquired in 1997 by Penske with backing from General Electric Co. Private equity firm Kelso & Co acquired a stake in Truck-Lite in 2010.

Penske Corp. is a holding company for subsidiaries operating in the retail automotive, truck leasing, transportation logistics and professional motorsports markets. Its businesses have annual revenues in excess of $19 billion.

Penske's biggest holding is its 35 percent stake in Penske Automotive Group Inc., the second largest U.S. auto dealership group, which generated $17.2 billion in revenue in 2014.