CARMEL, INDIANA, and NEW YORK, NY – October 16, 2025 – Kinetic Advantage (“Kinetic” or the “Company”), an independent automotive floorplan financing company, today announced that it has received a strategic investment from global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) and a multi-year forward flow commitment to facilitate the origination of automotive floorplan financing by Kinetic. This partnership will enable Kinetic to increase its origination capacity and improve access to innovative floorplan financing solutions for US dealers.

Founded in late 2020 and backed by Altamont Capital Partners, Kinetic is a key provider of floorplan financing for independent US automotive dealers. Offering best-in-class technology and industry-leading service, Kinetic is a financing partner to dealers nationwide. Kinetic provides funding for vehicle purchases from nearly all inventory sources, including auto auctions, trade platforms and other wholesale venues.

Of the Carlyle partnership, McFarland, CEO of Kinetic Advantage said, “We are very pleased to be partnering with Carlyle, a world-class investment firm that brings significant capabilities to Kinetic to drive success for our dealer partners and the Company. Alongside our investment from Altamont, Kinetic is very well positioned with high-caliber partners to grow and innovate, a hallmark of Kinetic’s philosophy.”

“We’re delighted to partner with Kinetic Advantage and its exceptional team of industry veterans who bring decades of experience and innovation to the floorplan financing sector,” said Akhil Bansal, Head of Asset-Backed Finance at Carlyle. “Kinetic has built a technology-forward platform that’s redefining how independent dealers access capital and we’re excited to help accelerate the growth of the platform.”

This transaction was led by Carlyle Asset-Backed Finance (“Carlyle ABF”), a group within Carlyle’s Global Credit platform focused on private fixed income and asset-backed investments. The highly experienced team leverages the knowledge, sourcing, structuring, and breadth of the entire Carlyle investment platform to help deliver tailored asset-focused financing solutions to businesses, specialty finance companies, banks, asset managers, and other originators and owners of diversified pools of assets. Carlyle ABF has deployed approximately $8.5 billion since 2021 and has more than $9.5 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2025.

Stephens Inc. acted as exclusive financial advisor to Kinetic Advantage.

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About Kinetic Advantage
Kinetic Advantage is a dynamic independent floorplan company led by trusted industry veterans to provide complete inventory financing solutions to independent dealerships. Our core focus is providing our independent dealer customers with complete financing solutions to help them succeed through top-notch service, local support and a collaborative partnership.

About Carlyle 
Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Carlyle AlpInvest. With $465 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2025, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value for its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which it invests. Carlyle employs more than 2,300 people across 27 offices on four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.

Media

Ashley Alspaugh
Kinetic Advantage
+1 317-699-5998
ashley.alspaugh@kineticadvantage.com

Kristen Ashton

Carlyle

+1 212-813-4763

Kristen.ashton@carlyle.com

AURELIUS Finance Company and The Tyre Group agree GBP 26m tailored financing solution

London, May 23, 2025 – AURELIUS Finance Company, the Private Debt segment of AURELIUS, is pleased to have completed the financing of The Tyre Group (TTG), the UK’s largest independent tyre retailer and wholesaler, with the delivery of a highly bespoke GBP 26m facility.

The facility incorporates a GBP 11m working capital revolver, alongside a GBP 15m property-linked term loan. This bespoke two-tranche solution replaces and simplifies a mix of legacy clearing bank facilities inherited via historic acquisitions, while unlocking material additional working capital headroom to support a range of attractive growth initiatives for the group.

AURELIUS Finance Company was able to view the business, its working capital, and its property footprint holistically to structure a facility closely aligned to the business’ growth aspirations and liquidity requirements. As is typical for AFC, this was then delivered at pace through a single, dedicated deal team in order to meet the tight timeframes demanded by the refinancing process.

“This is another great example of how AURELIUS Finance Company can step in where traditional lenders struggle – we pride ourselves on delivering speed, flexibility and an integrated approach to the complex financing needs of a high-quality mid-sized company, constrained by a sub-optimal debt structure. We listened to management and their advisors so that we could structure a facility tailored to TTG’s operational footprint and cash-flow requirements, we priced it competitively, and then delivered it with commercial pragmatism. It was a pleasure to work with Chris and The Tyre Group’s team, and we’re proud to now be playing a part in what promises to be an exciting chapter of growth,” commented James Marler, Director and Head of New Business at AURELIUS Finance Company.

“AURELIUS Finance Company stepped forward with a promise to deliver both facilities in an integrated manner – making the process much more efficient. They moved quickly and efficiently, were highly commercial throughout, and delivered exactly what they had promised. This facility will make a real difference as we continue to grow our business, integrate past acquisitions, and build on the solid platform that my father put in place. We look forward to a strong partnership with the AURELIUS Finance Company team,” said Chris Freeman, CEO of The Tyre Group.

Founded in 2000 by Robert Freeman and now led by his son Chris, The Tyre Group operates under well-known regional brands including Malvern Tyres, Just Tyres, King David Tyres and County Tyres. With 116 locations across the Midlands and southern England and Wales, the group offers a full range of fast-fit automotive services and supplies tyres across the premium, mid-range and budget segments.

AURELIUS Finance Company was advised by Addleshaw Goddard (Legal), SIA Group (Accounts Receivable and Inventory Appraisals) and Colliers (Property Valuations). The company was further advised by HCR Law (Legal) and Hawkstone Commercial Finance (Debt Advisory).

• The large-scale vertically integrated manufacturer is the North American leader in the design, engineering, and production of advanced composite materials serving the automotive, heavy truck, marine, and recreational vehicle sectors
• The business generated more than USD 1 billion in revenues in 2024
• First US-advised transaction by AURELIUS’ recently opened New York office

New York, March 31, 2025 – AURELIUS Private Equity Mid-Market Buyout announces the acquisition of Teijin Automotive Technologies North America (‘TAT-NA’), the leader in advanced composite technologies for the automotive, heavy truck, marine and recreational vehicle sectors, from Japanese ultimate parent company Teijin Limited. This acquisition marks the first transaction advised by the AURELIUS Investment Advisory team in New York, just months after opening its office addressing the North American market.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, TAT-NA employs approximately 4,500 personnel and generates annual revenues exceeding USD 1 billion. With 14 locations across the US and Mexico, the business specializes in the development and production of advanced composite components for the global automotive and transportation industries. TAT-NA’s vertically integrated operating model and market-leading scale provides defensible assets and capabilities to sustain long-standing supply relationships with key OEMs in North America.

AURELIUS will support new growth opportunities for the standalone TAT-NA business, whose unique, durable lightweight composite product offering is powertrain agnostic and hence ideally positioned to meet long-term demand for Class A and structural vehicle components.

“Teijin Automotive Technologies North America has a long history of supplying key players across the North American automotive industry. We are particularly proud of this acquisition as it represents our first transaction advised out of our recently opened New York office. Among other areas, specialists in our Operations Advisory team will focus on delivering a range of value-creation initiatives across the network of manufacturing sites, while also driving operational excellence through enhanced quality and efficiency,” stated Stephan Mayerhausen, Managing Director at AURELIUS Investment Advisory and Head of AURELIUS’ New York Office.

“We are excited about the opportunities ahead for us as we partner with the resources and support of the AURELIUS team,” said Chris Twining, CEO of TAT-NA. “The AURELIUS Operations Advisory team is dedicated to ensuring we maintain our market leadership, and I am looking forward to working with them as we continue to develop new material technologies while improving our operations, efficiency and quality.”

AURELIUS was advised by Greenhill, a Mizuho affiliate (M&A), Baker McKenzie (Legal), EY (Financial, Tax), AON (Insurance) and Ramboll (Environment).

About AURELIUS

AURELIUS is a globally active private equity investor, distinguished and widely recognised for its operational approach. It focuses on Private Equity, Private Debt and Real Estate. Its key investment platforms include AURELIUS European Opportunities IV, AUR Portfolio III and AURELIUS Growth (Wachstumskapital). AURELIUS has been growing significantly in recent years, particularly expanding its global footprint, and today employs approximately 400 professionals in 9 offices spanning Europe and North America.

AURELIUS is a renowned specialist for complex investments with operational improvement potential such as carve-outs, platform build-ups or succession solutions as well as bespoke financing solutions. To date, AURELIUS has completed more than 300 transactions, and has built a strong track record of delivering attractive returns to its investors. Its approach is characterised by its uncompromising focus on operational excellence and an unrivalled ability to efficiently execute highly complex transactions. For more information visit www.aurelius-group.com.

About Teijin Automotive Technologies North America

Teijin Automotive Technologies North America specializes in the development and production of advanced composite components – including carbon and glass fiber – for the automotive and transportation industries. The company is a leader in composite formulations with a focus on providing automakers with lightweight, durable products that enable design and packaging flexibility. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA, Teijin Automotive Technologies North America has 14 operations in the U.S. and Mexico and employs more than 4,500 people. For more information visit teijinautomotive.com.

Media contact for questions regarding the transaction:

Harald Kinzler
Head of Communications
harald.kinzler@aurelius-group.com
+44 7785 722 191

Media contact for questions specific to Teijin Automotive:
Kim Zitny
Director, Corporate Communications +1 248 535 6944

The European Innovation Council (EIC) has awarded Easelink €11.5 million in funding for its pioneering EV Matrix Charging® technology. This financial support underlines the strategic fit between Easelink’s goal of setting the standard for automated EV charging with the European Union’s objective to drive carbon neutrality by promoting EVs and their integration into a smart energy system.

Easelink succeeded in the most competitive EIC funding round to date. The 2nd phase of the EIC Accelerator closed in October 2024 with 1,211 submitted applications. Of these applications, the jury invited 431 (36%) to interviews in Brussels and 71 companies received funding.

“We are delighted about the EIC support. It underlines that our standardisation efforts are in line with the EU’s electrification strategy.” says Hermann Stockinger CEO and founder of Easelink. “When it comes to automated charging interoperability is key. At Easelink we are not only tech innovators in the field of charging. We also see ourselves as a reliable entity that ensures and protects the global cross-brand interoperability of Matrix Charging.”, he further emphasizes. To achieve this, Easelink is establishing worldwide partnerships in the automotive and energy sectors with great progress currently being made in Europe, China and Japan. Together with selected OEMs and other key players, Easelink is working on the next necessary standardisation steps alongside the ongoing Matrix Charging® series development.

To prepare Matrix Charging®’s commercialisation and its market launch Easelink is now seeking further technology funding in the form of venture capital. Easelink’s Matrix Charging® system provides a fully automated charging experience, eliminating the need to manually plug in an EV. The system consists of a vehicle unit and a charging pad installed on the parking space. It is compatible with most major electric vehicle platforms and is available in retrofit and factory-installed options. This cost-effective and energy-efficient automated charging system is suitable for both premium and volume segment vehicles.

About Easelink

Easelink is a high-tech company headquartered in Graz, Austria, and dedicated to the development of the automated conductive charging solution “Matrix Charging®” for electric vehicles. The innovative character of Easelink can be seen in its many patents and trademarks. Easelink, with sites in Austria and China, currently has 40 employees and actively contributes to various standardization bodies for charging technology, such as the relevant working groups of the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIn), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Within the framework of cooperative projects, a number of leading automotive manufacturers and suppliers, infrastructure providers and vehicle fleet operators are already making use already of the innovative Matrix Charging® technology.

About Matrix Charging® by Easelink

With the Matrix Charging® technology, the electric vehicle is charged automatically without the need to manually plug in a charging cable. As soon as the vehicle is positioned above a fixed charging pad in the parking lot, the Matrix Charging® Pad, a so-called Connector is lowered from the underbody of the vehicle. The Connector connects to the Matrix Charging® Pad fully automatically.

Patricia Krenn, MSc
Head of Marketing & Communications
Mobil: +43 (0) 676 848 741 220
Email: patricia.krenn@easelink.com
Webpage: www.easelink.com

The deal underscores Carlyle’s commitment to invest in world-class advanced manufacturing enterprises in India and globally

Mumbai and New Delhi, India, February 13, 2025 – Global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) today announced it has completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in Highway Industries Limited (“Highway”) and Roop Automotives Limited (“Roop”) (together “the Platform” or “Platform Entity”) through a proprietary and exclusive transaction. Equity for the investment will come from investment funds affiliated with Carlyle Asia Partners (CAP).

Highway and Roop are among the leading players in manufacturing forged and precision-machined components, steering system assemblies, transmissions and other powertrain applications for electric, hybrid and internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles. Over the last 30 years, the Platform has built a comprehensive product range of over 1,500 products, an extensive global clientele of 55 customers across 17 countries, and an expansive manufacturing footprint of 12 plants and 14 international warehouses. Carlyle intends to deepen its investments in the auto components space and will seek to add synergistic assets to the Platform.

The founders of Highway and Roop will continue to hold stakes in the Platform, underscoring their commitment to the long-term success of the companies. Carlyle will work with Highway and Roop to help them leverage operating synergies and create capabilities and capacities, to deliver enhanced value for their customers.

Amit Jain, Managing Director and Head of Carlyle India Advisors, said: “We believe India offers a tremendous opportunity in the advanced manufacturing sector, particularly in the auto components supply chain for both domestic and export markets. In our view, this provides a large-scale opportunity for the Platform. We believe creating scale with consolidation will enable investments in technology, talent and systems, which will allow the Platform to deliver an enhanced value proposition for its customers. We are excited to partner with Highway and Roop to build this Platform. Carlyle is well-placed to accelerate the growth of the Platform by leveraging our worldwide network and investments in the automotive sector globally.”

Mohit Oswal, Managing Director of Roop, said: “Roop has been an industry pioneer in the manufacturing of steering components and assemblies. For over 30 years, we have built strong expertise in our target applications and established deep relationships with our customers globally. Our partnership with Carlyle and Highway makes us even stronger and allows us to provide holistic solutions to our customers and value-add to all stakeholders.”

“At Highway, we have been at the forefront of driving technology-led growth for our customers globally and in India. With Carlyle’s investment and the partnership with Roop, I am confident that we will deliver on our collective commitment to drive innovation and broaden offerings for our clients,” said Umesh Munjal, Managing Director of Highway.

Mr. Oswal will serve as Non-Executive Chairperson of the Board for the Platform Entity. Additionally, Mark Blaufuss, Operating Executive at Carlyle with over 30 years of leadership experience in the automotive and manufacturing sectors; and Kishore Saletore, former Executive Director and Group CFO at Bharat Forge Limited, with over three decades of diverse industry experience, will join the Platform Entity’s Board of Directors.

KPMG, Trilegal, Kotak and Deloitte acted as advisors to Carlyle for the transaction. Singhi Advisors and KPMG acted as the financial advisors to Highway and Roop shareholders, respectively.

Carlyle’s buyout funds, including Carlyle Asia Partners, have deep experience investing in the Advanced Manufacturing or Industrial sector, and have invested over US$32 billion of equity in over 125 deals globally as of December 31, 2024, with approximately US$1.1 billion of this in Asia.

About Carlyle

Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit, and Global Investment Solutions. With US$441 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2024, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs over 2,300 people in 29 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.

About Highway

Founded in 1971, Highway is one of India’s fastest growing manufacturers of mission critical powertrain sub-systems and components for global automotive customers across North America, Europe, and Asia. Highway’s focus on engineering excellence, innovation and customer service for more than 50 years has enabled it to establish multi-decade relationships with global automotive clients that are based on quality and trust. Highway has more than 3,000 skilled employees.

About Roop

Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Haryana, Roop is an industry leader in the manufacturing of steering sub-systems and assemblies, and the largest manufacturer of steering yokes globally. Roop has developed unique engineering strengths and expertise in manufacturing critical automotive parts through decades of R&D and a team of more than 400 engineers. Roop prides itself as a leading solutions provider for steering system manufacturers globally for over 30 years. Roop exports largely to North America and Europe.

Media Contacts:

Carlyle

Lonna Leong

Tel: +852 9023 1157

E-mail: lonna.leong@carlyle.com

Adfactors PR 

Manibalan Manoharan

Tel: +91 9833949919

E-mail: manibalan.manoharan@adfactorspr.com

Cary Group, a European market leader in vehicle glass repair and replacement (VGRR) services, has signed an agreement to acquire 51% of the French company 123 Pare-Brise, a leading independent VGRR specialist in France.

Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Marquette-lez-Lille and Bourgoin-Jallieu, 123 Pare-Brise operates a network of 129 owned workshops across France. The acquisition provides Cary Group with a strategic entry into the French VGRR market, which has significant size and growth potential. As a leading player in the French market, 123 Pare-Brise operates with a fully integrated network of workshops and a business model that is focused on direct-to-consumer sales. The company employs just under 900 employees with total sales of approximately 100 MEUR.

“The acquisition of 123 Pare-Brise is a significant milestone for Cary Group as we continue to expand our presence in Europe. The French market for repair, replacement and calibration of vehicle glass is an important part of the European market. The acquisition of 123 Pare-Brise is a natural step in our consolidation journey and strengthens Cary Group’s position in Europe. We are impressed by the strong growth of the company, the exceptional quality of their services and workshop network and we look forward to working closely with their talented team“, says Anders Jensen, CEO of Cary Group.

“We are excited to join forces with Cary Group, a company that shares our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This partnership will enable us to leverage Cary Group’s resources and expertise to further enhance our services and expand our reach in the French market”, says Norbert Sibert, Alberic Bienvenu and Ludovic Vaesken, founders of 123 Pare-Brise.

The current management team of 123 Pare-Brise, will remain in place to ensure continuity and drive the company’s growth post-acquisition.

Cary Group’s acquisition strategy focuses on platform acquisitions to enter new geographic markets, add-on acquisitions to strengthen its presence in existing markets, and smaller acquisitions to improve its footprint and achieve additional scale. Over the past four years, Cary Group has made several key platform acquisitions, including Autoglass Clinic and Touring Glass in Belgium, Dansk Bilglas in Denmark, Autoglas in Luxemburg, Expressglass in Portugal, Auto Cristal Ralarsa in Spain, and Zentrale Autoglas in Germany. These acquisitions have not only increased revenue but also established Cary Group in new markets, contributing to the consolidation of the highly fragmented European VGRR market.

For further information, please contact:

Helene Gustafsson, Head of Corporate Communication, Cary Group
Tel: +46 70 868 40 50
Email: Helene.gustafsson@carygroup.com

About Cary Group
Cary Group specialises in sustainable solutions for vehicle glass repair and replacement, with a complementary offering in vehicle damage repair. With good accessibility, high-quality products and smart solutions, we help our customers make simplified and sustainable choices. We call it Smarter solutions for sustainable car care. For more information, please visit www.carygroup.com.

About 123 Pare-Brise

Founded in May 2020 by industry experts, 123 Pare-Brise is a French brand specializing in the repair and replacement of all types of auto glass. With fast, reliable and accessible services, it has established itself as a benchmark player in France. 123 Pare-Brise is based in the Hauts-de-France and Auvergne Rhône Alpe regions of France and relies on a branch network to guarantee consistent quality of service in all its centres. With its strong workforce, the company will have 130 centres by early 2025 and has a clear ambition: to become the leading independent integrated network in France.