AFR Secures Investment from Private Equity Firm

Air Flow Research Heads (AFR), a manufacturer of high-performance cylinder heads, intake manifolds and other automotive aftermarket components, has been acquired by Taglich Private Equity in partnership with AFR’s founding family and management, the company announced. AFR’s 42 production and office employees located at its headquarters in Valencia, California will remain with the current executive team and staff, AFR representatives said.

Air Flow Research Heads was founded in 1970 by Ken Sperling and had been family-owned until the sale to TPE in June 2021. Ken’s son Rick will remain as president and significant owner of the company.

“Completing this sale marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the history of AFR,” said Rick Sperling. “We are excited about partnering with Taglich Private Equity and continuing to build on the foundation that my family and all the AFR employees have built over the years.”

“AFR has a fantastic brand and impressive legacy which we want to continue,” said Will Morris, partner at Taglich Private Equity. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the management team in supporting the continued growth of AFR, both organically and through acquisitions of other performance aftermarket companies.”