Kinderhook Industries has acquired Kaizen Auto Care in partnership with Jacob Tilzer and LNC Partners, according to a recent press release.

Kaizen, founded by Jacob Tilzer and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a collision repair chain that provides paint and body repair, auto glass repair, fleet services, and electric vehicle specialty services, the release says.

It has 48 locations throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Iowa, Nebraska and Nevada.

“The company aims to provide high-quality customer service and repairs to consumers, fostering strong partnerships with its insurance carriers,” the release says.

Kaizen partnered with LNC in 2021. It is Kinderhook’s 30th automotive/light manufacturing platform investment, according to the release.

Vince Brock will be Kaizen’s new chief executive officer. Tilzer will remain as president. Brock previously held the CEO position for Procare Collision.

The release says Procare is a Texas-based collision MSO and former portfolio company of Kinderhook.

“In partnership with Kinderhook, Vince grew ProCare Collision from eight to 45 locations, becoming the third-largest collision repair operation in Texas and one of the largest in the country,” the release says. “In 2021, Vince Brock and Kinderhook sold ProCare to Classic Collision.”

Brock said he was impressed with Kaizen in the press release.

“The company has great shops with great people in great markets — a testament to the company’s commitment to excellence,” Brock said in the release. “I look forward to working with Jacob and the Kaizen team to continue building the company into an industry leader while setting the standard for growth and high-quality repairs.”

Tilzer said the partnership is a major milestone for the company.

“I’m excited about working with Vince and Kinderhook as we expand and continue to focus on providing the best working environment for our employees and exceptional repair experiences for our partners and customers,” Tilzer said in the release. “I would also like to thank the entire team from LNC who showed an incredible commitment to investing in our company and people.”

Kinderhook describes itself in the press release as a private investment firm with more than 450 investments and follow-on acquisitions. It focuses on middle-market businesses in health services, environmental/business services, and automotive/light manufacturing sectors.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to Kinderhook and DLA Piper LLP served as legal advisor to Kaizen and LNC. Financing for the transaction was provided by Twin Brook Capital Partners.

Five companies completed half of the collision industry’s merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in 2023, a Focus Advisors report said. This includes Caliber Collision, The Boyd Group/Gerber Collision, Crash Campions, Classic Collision, and Joe Hudson. 

The companies opened a combined total of 278 shops and acquired more than 550 independent shops last year, the report said. 

Focus Advisors Senior Associate Raul Salinas noted in his Jan. 24 report that the current highly competitive market shows no signs of slowing consolidation momentum going into 2024 — also predicted in October by Opus IVS ADAS Solutions Vice President Frank Terlep and separately in December by The Romans Group.

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