GUD acquires BWI

GUD Holdings has announced the acquisition of automotive lighting, electrical and battery maintenance product supplier Brown & Watson International Pty Ltd (BWI), the company behind leading brands such as Narva and Projecta.

The BWI stable will now sit alongside GUD brands including Ryco filters, Goss fuel pumps and engine management products and Wesfil/Cooper filters.

The purchase of this private Australian company employing around 160 personnel will result in it remaining Australian owned, creating further opportunities for the expansion and development of these major brands throughout Australia and New Zealand.

The transaction is expected to be completed on July 1, 2015.

With the retirement of Brown & Watson’s highly respected industry identity, Steve Waterham, GUD Automotive Pty Ltd CEO Bob Pattison (pictured) will assume the role of Chief Executive of BWI on July 1. To ensure continuity for BWI, Tim Miller will continue in his role as General Manager and BWI’s executive team will remain in place, ensuring business as usual for the company.

Distribution of the BWI product range in the New Zealand market will continue under Narva New Zealand Limited under an agreement with Peter Griffiths and the Griffiths Equipment team.

Current General Manager, Sales, Marketing and Operations for GUD Automotive Pty Ltd, Guy Nicholls will take over as Chief Executive of GUD Automotive from Bob Pattison.