JH Partners LLC, Acquires Sport Racks Maker Bell Automotive

JH Partners LLC, a San Francisco-based private equity firm, announced it partnered with management to acquire Bell Automotive Products, Inc. from Brentwood Associates, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm, for approximately $60 million. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bell Automotive is a leading supplier of automotive accessories, including after-market sport racks for cars and other auto accessories.

"As a branded consumer products company with superior growth in a highly fragmented industry, Bell Automotive is a natural fit for JH Partners," said Hansen. "We're very pleased to partner with Terry Lee and Mary George, under whose leadership the Company's growth continues to outpace that of the industry."

The company will continue to be headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona with a distribution center in Des Moines, Iowa. The senior debt financing was underwritten by Harris Trust and Savings Bank and Harris' mezzanine fund, Harris Nesbitt Capital, led the subordinated debt financing for the transaction.

JH Partners has been instrumental in aiding the growth of powerful consumer brands, including Peet's Coffee & Tea, Bare Escentuals, Performance Bicycle Stores, Bell Helmets and Design Within Reach, among others.