American LaFrance, one of the oldest and best-known fire apparatus manufacturers in the United States, has been sold to Patriarch Partners, a New York–based investment firm. According to John Stevenson, president of American LaFrance, the new owners bring enthusiasm, expertise, direction and capital that will allow American LaFrance to move forward as a leader in the market.

The sale was jointly announced by DaimlerChrysler and Patriarch Partners on Dec. 14, 2005. The transfer of ownership includes LTI, Snorkel, Aerial Innovations, MedicMaster, RescueMaster, and several other product lines, operating facilities and wholly owned dealerships that make up the American LaFrance business unit. Under terms of the sale, American LaFrance will continue to use portions of the Freightliner facility in Ladson, S.C., until mid-2007 or earlier.

The company plans to maintain its current base of dealers and will expand it in the future. Stevenson will continue in his position as president, and the majority of the upper management team will remain with the company.

Stevenson said American LaFrance will keep its current product line of custom and commercial chassis fire, rescue and emergency medical apparatus and has plans to introduce new products at the FDIC show in April and throughout the coming year.