Lacks Enterprises Buys Carbon Wheel Developer

Grand Rapids Mich.-based Lacks Enterprises Inc. has acquired Emergent Carbon Wheels, a Kansas City-based startup that was formed in 2012.

Financial terms of the deal, which includes Emergent’s staff and intellectual property, weren’t disclosed.

Emergent will be integrated into Lacks’ existing wheel division. The company’s founder, Colin Snyder, has joined Lacks as technology director for carbon fiber composites.

Carbon fiber wheels are as much as 50% lighter than aluminum units and offer improved fuel economy, reduced noise and vibration and ride and handling benefits, according to the company.

To date, Emergent has focused on aftermarket applications. Lacks aims to expand the technology into the new-vehicle market, starting with luxury and exotic sports cars.

Formed in 1961, Lacks supplies decorative trim components for interior and exterior systems, including wheels. The company launched its lightweight and aerodynamic eVolve wheel design in 2012.