Business Advisory Firm BBK Welcomes Auto Aftermarket Veteran Lou Merz

CHICAGO, July 25 -- BBK, an international business advisory firm providing financial, strategic and operational services to its clients worldwide, has announced that Lou Merz has joined its Chicago office.

Merz brings 40 years of experience in the automotive industry to BBK, having served as a senior level executive for multi-billion dollar automotive components and aftermarket manufacturers since 1963. Most recently, Merz led a successful automotive aftermarket consultancy, which served an impressive client roster in a variety of capacities including strategic business plan development, new business development, training and sales management, and operations advisory.

"We are pleased that Lou Merz, a well-respected and long-time auto aftermarket senior level executive, has joined forces with BBK to launch a focused aftermarket initiative," said Bill Wexler, a Managing Director out of the firm's New York office. "This exciting effort will combine Lou's extensive industry experience with BBK's 28+ years of auto industry experience and its integrated, international advisory services platform, to form one of the most comprehensive aftermarket advisory resources available. The automotive aftermarket industry is going through a significant evolution and the addition of Lou gives BBK a unique positioning to assist our clients in this industry."

"I am pleased to have joined BBK and look forward to bringing its considerable talents and experience to the auto aftermarket. The aftermarket, while not under the same pressures as its OE cousins, nevertheless has growing needs to lower cost, source globally and profitably grow. The opportunities for BBK in the aftermarket are tremendous," said Merz.

BBK offers clients a variety of services, including Foreign (offshore) Sourcing Assistance, Restructuring and Transactional Services as well as Corporate Finance Services.

Merz received his M.B.A. and his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. Merz served as Chairman of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association in 2002-2003 and was the President of Automotive Sales Council in 2003. He currently lives in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

BBK, an international business advisory firm established in 1977, provides financial and operational services that enhance the growth, profits and stability of its clients. BBK has over 100 professionals throughout the United States, Europe and Asia, and has completed more than 2,000 engagements for a variety of clients, including Fortune 500 corporations, mid-sized companies, financial institutions, law firms and private equity firms. For more information, visit http://www.e-bbk.com/.