Patrick Industries and LCI Industries, the parent company of Lippert Components, have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger that would create one of the largest component suppliers serving the recreational vehicle, marine, housing and transportation industries, including the school bus market. The transaction remains subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals and is expected to close during the first half of 2027.

Under the agreement announced June 30, LCI shareholders would receive 1.244 shares of Patrick common stock for each LCI share they own. Following the merger, Patrick shareholders would own approximately 52 percent of the combined company, while LCI shareholders would own the remaining 48 percent. Lippert acquired Trans/Air and Freedman Seating last year.

Patrick CEO Andy Nemeth would lead the combined company as chief executive officer, with Patrick Director Todd Cleveland serving as board chair and Lippert Interim CEO Johnny Sirpilla serving as vice chair. Headquarters remain in Elkhart, Indiana.

During a joint investor call, Patrick executives described the transaction as a combination of complementary businesses rather than a traditional acquisition, emphasizing expanded product offerings, broader aftermarket capabilities and increased engineering resources. Leadership said the companies share similar operating cultures and customer-focused strategies, positioning the combined organization to deliver more integrated solutions across multiple end markets.

For the school transportation industry, the proposed transaction would bring together several suppliers already familiar to school bus manufacturers and operators. Lippert has expanded its presence in the commercial and school bus markets through acquisitions that included HVAC manufacturer Trans/Air Manufacturing and seating supplier Freedman Seating. Those businesses will become part of the combined Patrick organization if the merger receives approval.

Patrick said the merger is expected to generate more than $150 million in annual run-rate synergies through purchasing efficiencies, supply chain optimization, manufacturing improvements and corporate cost reductions. Company officials added that the combined business is expected to produce stronger cash flow, maintain disciplined capital allocation and continue investing in automation, product development and strategic acquisitions.

Executives told investors the combination is intended to strengthen relationships with original equipment manufacturers by offering a broader portfolio of engineered components while increasing scale across manufacturing, distribution and aftermarket support. Patrick also highlighted Lippert’s established aftermarket distribution network as a strategic advantage that could help reduce dependence on cyclical OEM production.

The transaction must still receive approval from shareholders of both companies, satisfy customary closing conditions and obtain required regulatory clearances before it can be completed.

This article written with the assistance of AI and company press releases.

Related: Lippert Grows School Transportation Reach with Acquisition of Freedman Seating
Related: Trans/Air Says Acquisition a Strategic Business, Culture Move for Family-Run Company
Related: Update: I Squared Completes Acquisition of National Express School Bus Contractor

The post Proposed Merger Would Include Trans/Air, Freedman Seating appeared first on School Transportation News.

The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) Supplier Council released its agenda for vendor members attending its mid-year general membership meeting at the STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada.

The session will take place Monday, July 13, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Peppermill Resort, bringing together key industry suppliers and state transportation leaders to discuss ongoing initiatives and organizational updates.

The agenda for the Reno meeting includes reports from the NASDPTS secretary, treasurer and membership chair. Attendees will hear updates from the nominating committee and NASDPTS President Mike Stier as well as discussions on old and new business.

New business topics will cover the proposed 2027 budget, conference sponsorship opportunities, the Supplier Showcase, state director conference scholarships, and a staff update.

This mid-year gathering builds on discussions from the most recent Supplier Council meeting, held in November at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City in Arlington, Virginia during the NASDPTS Annual Conference. At that session, members reviewed the organization’s strong financial position, continued membership growth and renewed three positions on the National Congress on School Transportation (NCST) Steering Committee.

Reno Supplier Council Meeting Agenda to Build Upon Recent Discussions

The group also discussed proposed NASDPTS bylaw changes, including a new provision to prevent individuals from serving simultaneously as president-elect or president of NASDPTS and as vice chair or chair of NCST, to avoid conflicts and ensure effective leadership. Additionally, the board approved sunsetting the School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council (SBMTC), reflecting the evolving needs and structure of the Supplier Council.

The NASDPTS Supplier Council traces its origins to the 1990s, when it was established by School Transportation News co-founder Bill Paul. The group was created to provide a forum for vendor company members of NASDPTS to address technical and governmental relations issues concerning the manufacture of school buses, equipment and services to the industry.

Supplier Council member companies and organizations may submit issues for Steering Committee consideration at least 14 days prior to the two annual meetings of the Supplier Council. Issues may be proposed from the floor during both meetings, but NASDPTS Supplier Council bylaws state time restrictions might not allow for full consideration and may result in their being tabled until the next meeting.

Related: NASDPTS Sunsets School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council, Announces Updates
Related: NASDPTS Revises Illegal School Bus Passing Count After California Fixes Error
Related: NHTSA Rulemaking at Heart of NCST Resolutions Focused on Safety
Related: NASDPTS Sunsets School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council, Announces Updates

The post NASDPTS Supplier Council Meeting Set for STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.

CONCORD, N.C. – Student transporters took part in a Trade Show + Networking Pit Stop Reception on Monday evening, where the thrill of NASCAR met the excitement of connection. They engaged with eighty vendor companies, informative exhibits and dynamic networking opportunities on the Trade Show floor while enjoying Southern comfort food and drinks.

1 of 20

The post Gallery: Trade Show at STN EXPO East 2026 appeared first on School Transportation News.

Budgets are tight, drivers are hard to come by, and districts are under pressure to do more with less. School bus operations still need to rely on modern technology to meet the complex requirements of transporting students safely, efficiently and on time. Identifying the operational, functional, technical, and financial needs that truly matter can feel overwhelming, as can choosing a provider. Where to start?

Download this white paper for clear guidance on evaluating your organization’s needs and selecting a partner who delivers long-term value.

Inside, you’ll learn how to:

• Take a wide, objective look at your operation to understand what’s needed.
• Identify how new technologies will impact end users and other departments.
• Define KPIs with potential partners and calculate projected ROI.
• Evaluate providers in detail to assess their long-term potential.
• Ensure compliance and look for strong integrations across systems.

Fill out the form below and then check your email for the white paper download link.

The post (Free White Paper) 7 Key Criteria for Choosing a School Bus Technology Partner appeared first on School Transportation News.