Llama Capital buys Fabspeed Motorsport in debut platform deal
What's the deal? Llama Capital PartnersDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, an independent private equity sponsor focused on founder-owned businesses, has acquired Fabspeed MotorsportDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a manufacturer of aftermarket performance products for luxury sports vehicles. The transaction, which closed over the summer, marks Llama Capital's first platform investment. Terms were not disclosed.
Who's involved? Llama Capital completed the deal alongside Anacapa PartnersDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → and Blue Sage CapitalDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →. Aviara PartnersDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → served as placement agent and financial advisor, and McGuireWoodsDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → acted as legal counsel.
What does Fabspeed do? Founded in 1994 and based in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, Fabspeed designs and manufactures exhaust systems, air intake systems, and other aftermarket products for luxury and exotic sports vehicles. It runs in-house engineering and manufacturing and serves automotive enthusiasts globally.
What changes? Founder Joe Fabiani will stay on in a strategic capacity, while current chief operating officer Peter Elliott has been promoted to president. Llama Capital partners Stephen Kuhl and Kabeer Chopra will work with Elliott to execute the growth strategy.
What's the endgame? Llama Capital targets founder-owned businesses in the lower middle market, emphasising operational improvements and scalable growth. For Fabspeed, the plan is to expand while preserving its brand heritage.
The signal: The deal reflects continued private equity appetite for niche, founder-led manufacturers in the lower middle market. For Llama Capital, Fabspeed sets the template for a buy-and-build strategy centred on companies with established brands and in-house production.
Read more: themiddlemarket.com
Image credit: Blosterblu - YT
