AutoStyling Truckman

Auto Styling UK Ltd to acquire Truckman Ltd

- The combined entity would create a leading player in the automotive accessories market.

- Truckman to continue producing UK manufactured hardtops.

24/04/08 Cheltenham, Gloucestershire – Auto Styling UK Ltd and Truckman Ltd today announced a definitive agreement for Auto Styling UK Ltd to acquire Truckman Ltd. The acquisition has been approved by the directors of each company with integration of assets and abilities to commence imminently.

Autostyling UK Ltd. has enjoyed fantastic growth and success within the UK 4x4 and pick up styling market and have now secured their place as the UK’s leading global brand. The acquisition combines the knowledge, infrastructure and ability to both produce and service products in the UK and also source high quality complementary products from suppliers all around the world.

Truckman’s range of specialist products added to the vast array of products available from Auto Styling UK Ltd will serve the needs of the European market for years to come. The coming together of two family owned businesses will continue to offer a customer service focused business, whilst providing the management team strength and purchasing power to develop new, innovative products with the ability to dominate the UK automotive accessories market.

Truckman brings a number of key assets to Auto Styling UK Ltd; Over 25 years of production and market experience, a strong brand with an outstanding reputation and heritage, additional Industry expertise, and a large customer base in the commercial market. Truckman will continue to build and develop its Classic hard tops, while expanding the range to meet the ever changing needs of consumers.

Auto Styling UK will fully integrate all Truckman products to further extend its current range of ASX, SMM, and MAX hard tops, thus offering by far the most complete collection of pick up accessories and truck tops in the whole of Europe.

“I firmly believe the Truckman brand will flourish under the new ownership with customers benefiting greatly from the combined experience and resources.” said Mark Muschamp, Managing Director of Truckman Ltd and new head of OE Sales at Auto Styling UK Ltd. “The acquisition of the Truckman brand by Auto Styling represents the most exciting development in its 26 year history.”

Auto Styling UK, based in Dudley, West Midlands, was established in 2002 by Mike Wheeler as a specialist supplier of 4x4 accessories. Using their technical experience and market knowledge they were able to build the business into the successful organisation it is today and establish brand loyalty with their great customer service and advice coupled with stringent quality requirements.

“We have great respect for Truckman Ltd, and together we can offer an increasingly exciting range of solutions for consumers.” said Mike Wheeler, Managing Director of Auto Styling UK. “We believe the combination of brands will provide better choice, innovation and shorter lead times for our customers.”

“It is now our mission statement to become the hardtop supplier of choice for the major pick-up manufacturers throughout Europe.” Added Ron Lees, Sales Director of Auto Styling UK. “We strongly believe that over the next decade we will have the ability to meet our goal.”

Auto Styling UK have one of the strongest web presences in the industry, ranking at the top of the search engines and utilising one of the easiest to use e-commerce systems. “I feel that we open new avenues for the Truckman range by positioning many of our products such as bedliners and retractable tonneau covers in a way which is approachable for retail customers.” elaborated Mark Muschamp. “There is great synergy between the two companies and a shared commitment to providing the highest levels of customer service and bringing new innovative products to market.”