History and products
Prince Corporation was an automotive components business founded by Edgar D. Prince in Holland, Michigan, in 1965. It produced overhead consoles, visors, door components and other interior systems for automotive manufacturers. Johnson Controls recorded its acquisition of Prince Holding Corporation effective October 1, 1996, for approximately $1.3 billion in its SEC annual report. [princeFounder][princeSec][princeSale]
Family links and sale
The founder was father of Betsy DeVos and Erik Prince. Their family link to the supplier is historical; the transaction total should not be described as a personal payout to either child. The post-1996 automotive business is not Blackwater, Amway or Windquest. [family][princeSec]
Documented connections
- Edgar Prince — founder; Erik Prince and Betsy DeVos — founder's children.
- Johnson Controls — corporate acquirer, 1996.
Sources
Research reviewed November 14, 2026. Personal, nonprofit, corporate and government relationships remain separately documented.