By Reuters Staff 2 Min Read (Reuters) - Private equity firm Sentinel Capital Partners-owned Holley is merging with a blank-check company in a deal that values the auto parts maker at $1.55 billion, the companies said on Friday. The deal with Empower Ltd includes a private investment of $240 million from investors led by Wells Capital Management Inc, an investment adviser tied to Wells Fargo, and investment manager Wasatch Global Investors. PE firm MidOcean Partners, which formed the blank-check, has also agreed to invest $50 million in the deal through its MidOcean Fund V. Bowling Green, Kentucky-based Holley makes auto parts including engine valve covers, convertible tops and doors.