Platinum Equity Integrates American Racing, Wheel Pros

Leading High Performance Wheel Brands Are United in Single Powerhouse Company

LOS ANGELES (May 9, 2008) – Platinum Equity announced today the integration of American Racing and Wheel Pros, two leading distributors of high performance wheels and tires to the automotive aftermarket.

The combined company will offer a comprehensive portfolio of wheel products comprising the industry’s best known and most enduring wheel brands, including the full lineup of existing American Racing and Wheel Pros products.

“This is an incredibly powerful combination that unites two of the best names in the business,” said Rob Joubran, partner at Platinum Equity. “The pedigree of these two companies is unparalleled. Bringing them together under one roof will provide customers one-stop access to the best brands in the industry.”

Randy White, a former American Racing executive who co-founded Wheel Pros in 1994, has been named Chief Executive Officer of the new company. Jody Groce, also a co-founder of Wheel Pros, has been named President.

“This merger brings together two leading companies that deliver world-class products and services,” Mr. White said. “Together, we have more than two dozen brands and programs serving 25,000 customers in over 30 countries on six continents.”

“Our customers will now have access to a single provider with an exceptional inventory of in-demand wheel products, a larger and more capable distribution network, and a diversity of product choices that represent the best-known wheel brands in the industry,” he said.

The integrated distribution company will operate under the Wheel Pros name in the United States, and as American Racing overseas. It will continue to distribute product brands currently offered by the two companies, including:

Wheel Products:

– American Racing
– American Racing Pro Series
– American Racing Vintage
– American Racing ATX Series
– Alba
– Asanti
– Autocouture
– Boyd Coddington Wheels
– Carroll Shelby Legend Series
– Dale Earnhardt Jr. Signature Series
– Diamo
– Dropstars
– Helo
– Ice Metal
– KMC Wheels
– Lexani
– Lorenzo
– Motegi Racing
– Moto Metal Custom Alloys
– OE Creations
– Poison Spyder Customs
– QT
– Twenty Inches Strong
– Venti and Venti Plus
– Weld Racing
– XD Series

Tire Products:

– BFGoodrich
– Falken
– Michelin
– Nitto Tire
– Pirelli
– Sumitomo Tire

Platinum Equity acquired American Racing, the largest manufacturer and distributor of high performance aftermarket automotive wheels in North America, in July 2005. The firm acquired Wheel Pros, a leading competitor in the space, in March 2008.

About Platinum Equity
Platinum Equity (www.platinumequity.com) is a global M&A&O® firm specializing in the merger, acquisition and operation of companies that provide services and solutions to customers in a broad range of business markets, including information technology, telecommunications, logistics, metals services, manufacturing and distribution. Since its founding in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity has completed more than 80 acquisitions with more than $24 billion in aggregate annual revenue at the time of acquisition.