Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) is preparing to expand its aftermarket portfolio through an agreement to acquire a broad range of intellectual property and related assets from First Brands Group. The transaction is expected to close in early April pending approval from the US bankruptcy court overseeing First Brands’ restructuring.
The agreement covers engineering data, patents, and product‑development assets tied to multiple long‑established aftermarket brands. PGI has agreed to a purchase price of $25 million, with additional quarterly payments tied to net sales and capped at $8 million.
The intellectual property package spans several of First Brands’ filtration, ignition, wiper, and lift‑support product lines. Assets included in the deal cover:
- Filtration brands: FRAM, Luber‑finer, PetroClear, Champ, Champion Laboratories
- Ignition and spark plug assets: Autolite
- Wiper blade lines: Trico, Anco, ExactFit
- Lift supports: StrongArm, Mighty Lift, AVM
For PGI, the acquisition strengthens its position in filtration and routine‑maintenance categories while creating opportunities to expand into ignition components and diesel‑filtration technologies.
First Brands entered Chapter 11 proceedings in late 2025 and began winding down or exiting several North American product lines, including Brake Parts Inc., Cardone, and Autolite manufacturing operations. As part of the restructuring, the company initiated a sale process for its intellectual property and remaining business units. The PGI agreement represents one of the largest IP transfers to emerge from that process.
PGI plans to integrate the acquired assets into its existing supply chain and category‑management framework. The company expects the expanded portfolio to support broader private‑label coverage, more cohesive assortments, and improved shelf strategies for retail and distribution partners. The company also anticipates cross‑category attachment opportunities where filtration, ignition, and routine‑maintenance SKUs overlap.
PGI stated that the acquisition does not alter its core business model. The company intends to maintain its focus on private‑label programs, supply‑chain execution, and alignment with customers affected by First Brands’ restructuring.
Premium Guard was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida. The company specializes in filtration, wiper blades, and related maintenance products, operating a global supply chain with capabilities in product management, engineering, and category management. PGI supports both private‑label and branded aftermarket programs across North America and international markets. For more information, visit www.premiumguard.com.