AASA will present one of its strongest programs at the AASA Executive Breakfast during AAPEX 2011. Tony Cristello of BB&T will head an outstanding panel of private equity executives discussing, “Under the Hood: How Private Equity Is Changing the Automotive Aftermarket,” at the event, scheduled for 7 - 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at The Venetian. We have just confirmed two leading companies for the panel: Kosty Gilis, managing director of Onex Partners, and Mark Barnhill, principal, Platinum Equity. Onex Partners and Platinum Equity currently have significant investments in the North American aftermarket both at the manufacturer and distributor levels. More panelist confirmations are imminent and will be announced very soon.

We chose this topic for our annual Breakfast presentation this year because of the growing importance of private equity to our industry. Private equity has the potential to offer the capital and diverse market experience to power a new level of business for the automotive aftermarket.

Private equity firms already are major players in the automotive aftermarket through their current and past investments. Just consider the industry companies who have benefitted from PE firm involvement: Affinia, BBB, Cooper Standard, Dayco, Dura, Honeywell Consumer Products Group, OE Quality Friction, Tompkins/Gates, Transtar, TRW, United Components Inc. – just to name a few.

Our industry has much to gain from the ‘other industry’ experience these experts can share – experience that can benefit your company whether you see private equity investment in the future or not. Private equity has assisted companies in many industries expand their business, buy out portions of parent companies, revive or turn around lagging profits or invest in another company.

In this time of tightening credit from traditional sources, private equity offers funding from interested shareholders whose earnings are tied directly to the profit and growth of the company. Private equity firms value a company’s experienced team of individuals, who have the ability to turn their business goals into a reality. Companies that are backed by private equity will usually grow much faster than other types of businesses. This is due to the combination of capital and experienced management skills that comes from the company’s executives to set them apart from different types of financing.

As is our tradition at the AASA Executive Breakfast during AAPEX, we anticipate a lively question and answer session between these private equity panelists and our audience. It’s your opportunity to ask the questions on your mind about private equity and gain valuable insights.

Tony Cristello was the logical choice to moderate this discussion and we are pleased that he accepted our invitation. With the input of Tony and others at BB&T, we are building an outstanding panel of the leaders of private equity companies currently involved in the aftermarket and those just entering the marketplace.

More than 600 attendees are expected at this year’s AASA Executive Breakfast during AAPEX, so premium seating will fill up quickly. Act now to secure your table in a premium location for the AASA Executive Breakfast 2011. Tables of 10 can be reserved for the for $750; individual tickets are $85. Tables and tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Ernst & Young is the exclusive sponsor of the AASA Executive Breakfast during AAPEX. SPX Service Solutions is the official sponsor of the coffee station where members can fill-up a “to go” cup before going to the show floor.

AASA provides you a wide range of services and programs before and during AAPEX. For complete details on AASA events and services during AAPEX, click here.

See you in Las Vegas!

Steve Handschuh
President & COO
shandschuh@mema.org