Ariens Co. entered into a definitive agreement to sell its aftermarket parts business to Arrowhead Engineered Products of Blaine, Minn. The sale is expected to be complete by the end of 2016. Both companies are privately-held and terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.
The aftermarket parts business includes the Stens brand, sold directly to independent power equipment dealers, and the JThomas Parts brand, sold directly to professional landscape contractors. Ariens Co. acquired Stens in 1995 and JThomas in 2008.
“The combination of Arrowhead with the Stens and JThomas organization creates a unique and powerful platform in support of our mission to always be our customers’ first choice for critical replacement parts,”said Arrowhead CEO Jim Wisnoski. “We are excited for the combination of our two organizations, and the shared focus of our combined employees to continue providing exceptional service to our worldwide customers.”
Dan Ariens, chairman and CEO of Ariens Co., said the sale is “a strategic decision that allows the company to continue to reinvest in the original equipment manufacturing business.”
“We have been enhancing our manufacturing plants with automation technology,” he said. “At the same time, we will continue to invest in R&D capabilities to accelerate the rate of new product introductions.”
The company will also invest in an e-commerce platform for its outdoor supply brands Gempler’s, AW Direct and Ben Meadows.
Photo: Arien’s
