Tommy Gate Company announced today that it has purchased a 40% equity stake in
Anteo S.P.A., a liftgate manufacturer located in Molinella, Italy. Specific deal terms have
not been disclosed, although ownership of Tommy Gate remains unchanged, and the
management teams of each company will remain in place.

One of the best-known liftgate (or “tail lift”) manufacturers in the world, Anteo was
founded in 1969 and today has successful distribution in every corner of the world. “Anteo
is one of the few truly global liftgate companies,” says TJ Blandford, CEO of Tommy Gate.
“Ilmer and his team have over the years built a company that is admired and respected
everywhere, and we are thrilled about the potential of this relationship.” Ilmer Maietti,
General Manager of Anteo, will continue to manage the day to day operations of the
company and has retained his 60% ownership stake.

Known for their premium, lightweight, aluminum designs, Anteo’s appeal in the steel-loving
United States has been limited, but Blandford and Maietti both recognize that times
are changing. “In the last five or ten years, fleets and vehicle owners in the U.S. have
begun to place a greater emphasis on efficiency, weight, and total cost of ownership. The
time is right for an American partner who recognizes the opportunity with our products,”
says Maietti.

Even more significant than the immediate opportunities, though, are the longer-term
learnings that both companies expect from the relationship. “My first impression upon
visiting Molinella and the Anteo factory was how much it felt like Iowa,’” says Lila
Blandford, President of Tommy Gate and daughter of Bus Brown, the company’s founder.
“It was immediately obvious to us that culturally, this would be a really good fit. These
two teams, with their skills, experiences, and shared values, have the potential to create
something special that will last a very long time.”

Plans are underway for collaboration that will benefit the operations and ambitions of
both companies and workforces. It is expected that the relationship will result in growth at
both factories, as well as increased penetration of both brands worldwide.

Feel free to contact customer service at 1-800-LIFTGATE with any questions.

Tommy Gate is always working to design, build, and improve upon the finest liftgates in the world.

Accept no imitations.