Kohler Energy, formerly the engine and standby generator division of Kohler Co., has officially rebranded as Rehlko following a significant equity investment. The company, now a standalone entity, takes its new name as an anagram of its former parent, Kohler. Rehlko is pronounced “REL-co.”
The restructuring was made possible through a majority acquisition by Platinum Equity, a private equity firm led by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores. Kohler Co. retains a minority stake in the new business. While the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, estimates from Bloomberg and Robert W. Baird suggest a valuation of around $3 billion when the deal was finalized in May 2023.
Rehlko CEO Brian Melka expressed optimism about the company’s future, emphasizing their continued commitment to solving complex energy challenges while staying true to the values instilled during its Kohler Co. legacy.
Rehlko will keep its headquarters in Wisconsin and continues to operate in over 100 locations across the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Businesses under the Rehlko umbrella include Power Systems, Engines, Kohler Uninterruptible Power, Clarke Energy, Curtis Instruments, and Heila Technologies. Power Systems and Engines are set to complete their rebranding to Rehlko by the end of 2024.
Platinum Equity, the investment firm behind the transformation, manages more than $48 billion in assets and has extensive experience in the industrial products sector. Founded by Tom Gores in 1995, the firm has a strong portfolio of investments across various industries. Gores, who also owns the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, acquired the basketball team and its parent company for $325 million in 2011, according to Forbes.
This new chapter for Rehlko positions the company to build on its legacy while embracing opportunities for growth as an independent player in the global energy sector.