Genève Occasion acquired by Alliance Automotive Group

Alliance Automotive Group announced the acquisition of Groupe de Jackie Vercaigne, a French independent automotive parts distributor comprising four regional distribution platforms and a network of approximately 80 franchised retail outlets operating under the Pièces Auto brand. The transaction forms part of Alliance Automotive’s broader external growth strategy aimed at strengthening its regional coverage and consolidating its position within the French automotive aftermarket. The acquisition expands Alliance Automotive’s logistics footprint through complementary facilities located in several strategic regions of France, including the north, east and western parts of the country

Alliance Automotive Group has announced the completion of the acquisition of FPS Distribution, a leading independent UK distributor of automotive parts and accessories. The transaction strengthens Alliance Automotive’s ongoing consolidation strategy within the European automotive aftermarket and represents another step in expanding its position in the UK market. The acquisition provides Alliance Automotive with an enhanced presence in the UK through a complementary distribution network and FPS Distribution’s established expertise in supplying independent repair workshops

The transaction involves the acquisition of a controlling stake in Financière Cofidim by Alpha Private Equity, which is acquiring the interests previously held by Qualium Investissement (60%) and the Monnoyeur Group (40%). The rationale behind the deal is rooted in the significant recovery and stabilization of the group's performance following a challenging post-crisis period. Alpha’s entry is driven by the attractiveness of the group’s multi-channel dimension and its robust digital strategy, particularly within the Feu Vert brand

Equistone Partners Europe has acquired a majority stake in Mecaplast, the Monegasque automotive supplier. The transaction involves the sale of shares by the family of Chairman Thierry Manni and a reduction in the participation of the Fonds Avenir Automobile (FAA), managed by Bpifrance, which had supported the group since 2009. This strategic shift aims to provide Mecaplast with the financial resources necessary to accelerate its international development. The strategic rationale focuses on a dual growth path: organic expansion through new factory openings in Mexico, China, and Slovakia, and a targeted external growth policy to acquire complementary processes and products

Alliance Automotive Group announced the acquisition of Coler GmbH & Co. KG, a German automotive parts distributor, marking the group’s entry into the strategic German aftermarket market. The transaction represents a significant milestone in Alliance Automotive’s European expansion strategy, following its established operations in France and the United Kingdom, with the objective of building a leading pan-European automotive distribution platform. The acquisition provides Alliance Automotive with a strong local presence in Germany through Coler’s established logistics infrastructure and regional distribution network across the western part of the country

This transaction represents a major secondary leveraged buyout, marking the successful exit of the incumbent private equity consortium that had steered the company through a significant turnaround phase, more than tripling profits during its tenure. The incoming global financial sponsor acquires a controlling majority stake, injecting fresh momentum into the enterprise. To optimize its capital structure prior to the sale, the target had successfully utilized high-yield bond markets to refinance historical debt and distribute dividends

The sale of BCA to Haversham Holdings marks a significant transaction in the European used vehicle market. Under CD&R ownership, BCA has undergone significant transformation, diversifying its business and investing in technology and digital platforms. The company's growth initiatives and operating improvements have resulted in an increase in EBITDA of approximately 85% under CD&R's ownership. The transaction is expected to close in early April, with shareholders of BCA receiving £701 million in cash and £104 million in stock

The acquisition of 80% of KACO by the Zhongding group from the Brazilian Sabo group marks the culmination of a purely financial ownership cycle, paving the way for a phase of cross-border industrial consolidation aimed at creating a global leader in technical sealing. Under previous ownership, KACO had consolidated its technological foothold in Germany and structured its vertical integration, but faced balance sheet constraints and a lack of commercial leverage to deploy its cutting-edge technology on a global scale, particularly in Asia and North America

Blackstone, together with the founders of Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), has announced the acquisition of the company from Weinberg Capital Partners. The transaction marks a new phase in the development of one of Europe's leading independent automotive aftermarket distributors, with strong positions in both France and the United Kingdom. The investment is consistent with Blackstone’s strategy of supporting market-leading businesses operating in fragmented industries with significant consolidation opportunities

The acquisition of ABL Lights by Vignal Systems is a strategic move to consolidate the European market for work lights and signalling lights for industrial vehicles. By combining their complementary product lines and customer portfolios, the two companies aim to step up their development in Europe, the United States, and Asia. The acquisition will also enable Vignal Systems to extend its geographical coverage into the strategic US market, leveraging ABL Lights' operations in the United States. The deal is expected to boost the group's growth, both in France and abroad, and open up significant cross-selling opportunities with leading manufacturers of utility, industrial, and commercial vehicles