First Brands’ Canadian aftermarket units collapse into bankruptcy

Hopkins Canada, Inc. and FRAM Group (Canada) Inc., two Canadian automotive aftermarket entities within the First Brands Group platform, have entered bankruptcy following the collapse of a group-wide sale process and the planned wind-down of their operating groups.

Both bankruptcies trace back to First Brands Group’s acquisition-driven expansion. First Brands Group built a portfolio of more than 25 automotive brands through more than 15 acquisitions in less than 15 years. FRAM Group, acquired in March 2019, manufactures and sells oil, air, cabin air, fuel and transmission filters for passenger cars and light trucks. Hopkins Group, acquired in November 2023, operates as First Brands’ vehicle appearance, winter weather and automotive accessories platform, with products focused on cleaning, maintenance, safety and seasonal applications.

The Canadian entities played different roles in the broader platform. FRAM Canada did not manufacture products and operated as a Canadian sales and distribution entity, sourcing inventory from US production facilities and relying on FRAM Group’s US and global entities for product supply and financial support. Hopkins Canada owned and operated a production plant in Blenheim, which was converted into a warehouse facility around April 2026. After the conversion, it sourced inventory mostly from Hopkins Group entities in the US.

The filing materials say the Canadian insolvencies followed the broader First Brands Group distress. On September 29, 2025, FRAM Auto Holdings, LLC, Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation, Hopkins Acquisition, Inc. and other First Brands affiliates filed Chapter 11 petitions in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. First Brands then launched an accelerated marketing process on January 5, 2026 for its business units. The FRAM and Hopkins groups were included in that process, but there was limited interest in each group and no bids were submitted for the Canadian entities.

With no viable transaction identified for either business, the FRAM and Hopkins groups moved into wind-down. Directors of both Canadian entities were advised that all operations of their respective groups would cease effective April 30, 2026 and that no further funding or operational assistance would be made available. The directors determined that each Canadian company was insolvent and resolved on April 29, 2026 to make assignments for the general benefit of creditors. FRAM Canada made its assignment on April 30, 2026, reporting total assets of approximately $4.5 million and total liabilities of approximately $4.9 million, while Hopkins Canada made its assignment on May 4, 2026, reporting total assets of approximately $6.3 million and total liabilities of approximately $6.6 million.

TDB Restructuring is the trustee in both bankruptcies.