MANN+HUMMEL Takes Over Purolator Filters Joint Venture From Bosch

The MANN+HUMMEL Group, based in Ludwigsburg, Germany, announced that it will take over Purolator filters LLC, previously a joint venture between Bosch and MANN+HUMMEL. Antitrust authorities have now approved the transaction. The business will continue to be based in Fayetteville, NC (USA), but will be re-named to MANN+HUMMEL Purolator Filters LLC. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

The German filtration expert MANN+HUMMEL and Bosch ran the joint venture for more than six years. While MANN+HUMMEL managed the Original Equipment (OE) business, Bosch took care of customers in the Independent Aftermarket (IAM). IAM customers that have been served by Bosch during the joint venture will be transitioned to MANN+HUMMEL Purolator Filters LLC. A seamless customer service is being guaranteed.

Alfred Weber, president and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL, said: “For our customers, Purolator will continue to be a trusted partner. We are committed to strengthening the Purolator brand and are providing new opportunities to the people of Purolator, who we warmly welcome to the MANN+HUMMEL family today.”

MANN+HUMMEL is incorporated in Germany, and has a global presence with over 50 locations. The independent market research institute Freedonia confirmed MANN+HUMMEL’s leadership in filtration in 2012. The latest study, which covers the total market for filtration applications world-wide, places the filter expert MANN+HUMMEL in the top position. With the acquisition of all of the Purolator shares, MANN+HUMMEL will further strengthen its OE and aftermarket business in NAFTA, as well as its global filter business.
With a comprehensive and diversified portfolio of complementary products, MANN+HUMMEL Purolator Filters LLC is well-positioned to address the automotive filtration sector with its strong and well-established Purolator and MANN-FILTER brands.

With five locations in NAFTA, MANN+HUMMEL employs close to 2,000 people in the region and has built solid relationships with customers ranging from vehicle and industrial equipment manufacturers to the aftermarket, distributors, and retailers. With its system competence, high market coverage, and strong brands, the MANN+HUMMEL filter business has grown substantially over the last years, and will be further strengthened by the integration of Purolator.