Race Winning Brands Expands, Acquiring MGP Connecting Rods

Race Winning Brands, Inc., a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, LLC just announced the acquisition of Giannone Performance Products, Inc. dba MGP Connecting Rods, a premium manufacturer of high-performance aluminum connecting rods. The acquisition of MGP Connecting Rods is the fifth and most recent addition to the Race Winning Brands family of brands.

Headquartered in Mentor, Ohio, Race Winning Brands is a leading manufacturer of high-performance and racing related components for both the automotive and powersports aftermarkets. MGP joins other iconic name brands, such as JE Pistons, Wiseco Performance Products, K1 Technologies, Diamond Pistons, Trend Performance, Dart Machinery, Rekluse Motor Sports, Falicon Racing and ProX Racing Parts.

Founded in 1996, MGP has emerged as the premier manufacturer of aluminum connecting rods for the racing and high-performance markets. By utilizing race-proven design engineering and CNC machining technology, MGP offers designs and quality that surpass the needs of the most demanding engines and engine builders. Proprietary features, such as Cap Interlocking Serration and small end Hard Bore Technology, provide benefits proven to support the rigors of top tier racing.

“The company is set to reach full potential now as part of the Race Winning Brands family,” says Darcell Giannone, MGP owner and wife of founder Michael Giannone. “I am excited to see the brand continue to grow and prosper in alignment with Michael’s vision for MGP.”

“We continue pursuing our vision of leading racers to victory with the best engine parts in the market,” says Brian Reese, CEO of Race Winning Brands. “MGP is further investment in our expansion to adjacent categories.”

Bob Fox, RWB’s President of Diamond Pistons and Trend Performance, will assume the role as President of MGP Connecting Rods. “MGP is a leader in aluminum racing rods, technology, and manufacturing,” Fox says. “Our plan is to offer customers a high-quality connecting rod that is co-engineered to work perfectly with our pistons.”