This is the fourth strategic acquisition for the Aeroklas Asia Pacific Group

Aeroklas Asia Pacific Group (AAPG) – a division of Aeroklas – recently completed its fourth strategic acquisition in the Australian 4×4 automotive accessories market, which it says places the business amongst the industry’s largest players.
With an eye on international growth, the Aeroklas Asia Pacific Group says it has big plans for the Australian Market.
On the 1st of July, AAPG acquired a 100 percent shareholding in 4 Way Suspension Products Pty Ltd.
4 Way Suspension Products designs, manufactures and distributes suspension products including shock absorbers, coil springs, leaf springs and other accessories for four-wheel drives and SUVs under the “Tough Dog” brand.
Aeroklas, a manufacturer of light weight premium dual skinned plastic canopies and ute liners for major OE vehicle manufacturers, has made several significant acquisitions in the Australian 4×4 accessories market.
It first acquired well known 4×4 accessories retailer TJM in 2015, and then in 2018 the business added Flexiglass (fiberglass canopies) and Bocar (aluminium trays and accessories).
The company’s latest acquisition looks at the underside of off-roading and further complements the business’ complete offering to the four-wheel drive market.
These acquisitions represent an overall investment in the Australian automotive parts manufacturing sector of over $100M in the last seven years and the company plans to continue to grow both locally and within the lucrative Asian, US and European markets.
Within Australia the AAPG business has more than 100 retail outlets throughout the country, most recently opening new Aeroklas fitment centres in Western Australia and new TJM locations in Tasmania.
Locally, Tough Dog will continue to enjoy a strong relationship with automotive retail groups and independent automotive retailers throughout Australia as the brand continues to grow and expand.
The owners of 4 Way Suspension Products have been retained under an earn out provision as part of the deal. Tough Dog will continue to operate independently from other Aeroklas brands to ensure the ongoing success of the brand in its key markets. It is for this reason Aeroklas will also be retaining the Tough Dog management team.
Group General Manager of the Aeroklas Asia Pacific Group, Greg Kelly, spoke about the acquisition and where the group is heading.
“The Tough Dog brand is a well known and well-loved Australian made product with excellent growth prospects and wider distribution opportunities both at home and in overseas markets,” Greg said.
“The business has a proven track record of developing innovative and market leading suspension products for over 30 years and is a welcomed addition to the Aeroklas Group’s already extensive range of high-quality four-wheel drive accessories.
“In recent years we have seen a shift in consumer preferences towards four-wheel drives, utes and SUV models. We know that with the addition of Tough Dog, coupled with our other market leading brands, our business is well placed to service the growing needs of consumers in this market.
“Aeroklas is in an excellent strategic position to provide our customers with the very best in 4×4 automotive accessories so that they can optimise the performance of their vehicles with specialised light weight and durable products to get the most out of their motoring experience.”

For more information, visit www.aeroklasasiapacificgroup.com