goetzpartners advised the shareholders of ACR Group

The shareholders of ACR Group, a multi-specialist distributor of automotive spare parts and the largest integrated national network with 9 logistics platforms and technical expertise in braking systems and rotating electrics (alternators, starters), completed the sale of the group to Autodistribution on April 7th. Fortlane Partners acted as exclusive financial advisor to the shareholders of ACR Group.

Hugues Archambault, Managing Director at Fortlane Partners in Paris, explains:

«Since NextStage’s investment in ACR Group in June 2010, the group has structured, opened six new platforms and doubled its turnover to around €75m. The shareholders of ACR Group entrusted us with the organisation of a selective auction process aimed at selecting the best industrial partner. The acquisition of ACR Group will allow Autodistribution (leader in France with revenues in excess of €1 billion) to complete its logistics scheme, expand its customer base to specialised (auto centres and fast-fitters) and OEM networks as well as web dealers and reinforce its expertise in braking systems and rotating electrics. We are pleased to have successfully organised this value-creating transaction, our second deal in the automotive aftermarket less than 12 months after the sale of Précisium Groupe to Alliance Industrie, the sector’s respective number 3 and 2.»

Jean Rousseau, President and founder of ACR Group, comments:

«After identifying the relevant potential acquirers, the Fortlane Partners team assisted us in the preparation of a strong business project which leveraged on all the assets and specificities of ACR Group. The fluid and rapid execution of the transaction results from Fortlane Partners’s deep understanding of our environment, its dynamism and its skilful transaction management. Fortlane Partners maintained full confidentiality throughout the process until the transaction announcement, which protected our market position in a tough economic context. Many thanks to this high performing and friendly team!»

About ACR Group

ACR Group is a multi-specialist distributor of automotive spare parts for the aftermarket in France with technical expertise in braking systems and rotating electrics (alternators, starters). The group, which has more than 70,000 references in stock, operates a network of 9 integrated logistics platforms of which a 9,600sqm fully automatized one in Gennevilliers and serves all market players (traditional distributors, auto centres and fast fitters, OEM networks, web dealers, fleets, export markets). ACR Group employs 160 people and generates revenues of around €75m.

About Autodistribution

With a distribution network generating a turnover in excess of €1 billion, Autodistribution is the historical and leading player on the spare parts market for light and heavy vehicles in France. Towerbrook Capital Partners, the international private equity fund, is Autodistribution’s majority owner alongside Investcorp, another private equity fund, and banks.

About NextStage

NextStage is an independent growth equity company specialized in investing and financing growth in champion SMEs. It manages nearly €300m invested in more than 50 French and European companies, of which half are private and half are listed on Alternext and Euronext B and C.