Discount Ramps, backed by lower middle market private equity firm Rotunda Capital Partners, acquired ramp maker Heavy Duty Ramps LLC for an undisclosed amount. Rotunda invested in Discount Ramps in January 2014. Heavy Duty Ramps, based in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, manufactures ramps and other loading systems that are used in trucks, trailers and airplanes. The target will operate as an independent subsidiary of Discount Ramps and founder Richard Beilstein will remain with the company. Discount Ramps, located in West Bend, Wisconsin, is an online retailer of loading ramps, wheel chair ramps, bike racks and other accessories, such as automotive covers. The company sells the Rage Powersports, Black Widow, Big Boy and Apex brands. “We believe that consolidating Discount Ramps and Heavy Duty Ramps will enable accelerated new product introductions, improved customer service and seamless penetration of new markets,” says Discount Ramps CEO Larry Marmon. Rotunda is a Washington, D.C.-based private equity firm that invests businesses that have up to $100 million in enterprise value. The PE firm has made deals in the transportation and logistics sector before. For instance, in 2014, the PE firm acquired a majority stake in fulfillment services company Amware Logistics Services. In other automotive related deals, Trivest Partners–backed Handstands purchased the Eagle One car care brand; Sentinel Capital Partners added automotive performance parts distributor Driven Performance Brands; and Shipston Equity Holdings LLC acquired auto parts maker Compass Automotive Group LLC.
