Bearing Technologies Ltd. (USA; privately held website). has acquired North Coast Bearings (USA; privately held; website).

The acquisition is BT's third in the past five years, and its largest to date.

Bearing Technologies manufactures, distributes and private brands a variety of bearings and drivetrain components: wheel bearing hub assemblies, clutch release, racing, repair, and industrial bearings, and OEM heavy-duty driveshaft center support bearings. Its own brands include Green bearings and PressureGuard central tire inflation systems.

Founded in 1983, North Coast Bearings has become North America's largest full line supplier of aftermarket transmission, differential and transfer case rebuild kits and components. In 1997, an alliance with the Timken Company produced Timken's DT Components (website; catalog) branded lineup of automotive and truck rebuild kits -- more than 2,000 -- and related components. NCB's two other branded lines are Precision Automotive and Coast to Coast. Beyond kits, related products in those lines are center support bearings, ring and pinion sets, seals, gaskets, axle shafts, u-joints, CV axles, spools, sleeves, and cases.

North Coast headquarters is in Avon, Ohio, with five North American distribution centers

BT President and CEO, Laz Tromler, said: "Last year, we solidified a corporate growth plan called 'One-Ten by Twenty-Ten,' and this acquisition signifies a major step towards reaching our goal of $110 million in annual sales by 2010. This is a very synergistic relationship and we anticipate a virtually seamless transition with no effect on customers or suppliers."

NCB President and CEO, William "Bud" Hagy, said: "Our goal has always been to supply our customers with the most comprehensive product offering. Now we can give them a wider range of products and services, all available from a single point of contact."

The companies pointed out their product lines and capabilities are highly complimentary, both in products and end markets. Also, their shared focus is on providing a high level of value-added content through specialized and custom packaging options, high fill rates and quick order turn. Certifications include ISO 9001:2000 and TS16949.

Management of the two companies is expected to remain in place. Both said they expect integration to go smoothly, helped by the fact that their facilities are large, relatively new, and nearly adjacent to each other in Avon, Ohio.

Disclaimer: the author has had more than 20 years of ongoing relationships with the individuals and companies referenced in this article.