Strategic Distribution Acquisition in Estonia

RNS Number : 2056G

Inchcape PLC

25 May 2017

 

Strategic Distribution Acquisition in Estonia

Inchcape plc ("Inchcape" or the "Group")¹, the leading independent multi-brand Automotive Distributor and Retailer with global scale, is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire premium Estonian automotive operations, focused on exclusive Distribution for BMW Group, from United Motors AS.

The acquisition will complement Inchcape's existing operations in Estonia, where the Group currently represents Jaguar, Land Rover and Mazda. The transaction enhances Inchcape's organic growth prospects in the Estonian market, consistent with the Ignite strategic objective of investing to accelerate growth. Furthermore the deal builds on our existing regional presence for BMW in Latvia and extends our global partnership with BMW to an eighth market.

The business to be acquired operates from four retail locations in Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu and Kohtla-Järve, representing BMW in each location and Kia at two.

The transaction is subject to customary conditions and is expected to complete during June 2017.

Highlights:

·     Distribution for BMW in Estonia, strengthening the regional platform for a core brand partner

·     Strategic expansion of the Group's global partnership with BMW into an eighth market

·     Attractive long-term growth prospects for vehicle demand in Estonia

·     Further momentum behind the Group's strategic objective of investing to accelerate growth

Stefan Bomhard, Group CEO of Inchcape plc, commented:

"We are delighted by the opportunity to operate for BMW in Estonia, strengthening our Baltics presence and demonstrating continued momentum behind our Ignite strategy as we deliver on our objective of becoming the OEM's partner of choice.

Estonia has attractive long-term growth prospects and I am excited to add further scale to our existing platform, enabling the Group to deploy best practice and better leverage our regional scale. I strongly believe this deal will drive value creation for our shareholders and partners."

Ends.

Enquiries

Group Communications, Inchcape plc                                               [phone]

Investor Relations, Inchcape plc                                                         [phone]

FTI Consulting (Jonathon Brill/Edward Westropp)                             [phone]

Notes

¹ Reference to Inchcape plc includes all its worldwide subsidiaries

 

About Inchcape

Inchcape is a leading global premium automotive group, operating in 29 markets with a portfolio of the world's leading car brands in the fast-growing luxury and premium segments. Inchcape has diversified multi-channel revenue streams including sale of new and used vehicles, parts, service, finance and insurance. The Company has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1958, is headquartered in London and employs around 16,000 people. www.inchcape.com

 

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