Bowmark Capital, the mid-market private equity firm, and Five Arrows Principal Investments, the private equity fund of the Rothschild Group, have acquired Autodata Publishing Group, Europe’s leading provider of technical information to the automotive aftermarket, for an enterprise value of £143 million.
Autodata publishes technical information on 17,000 vehicle models from 80 manufacturers. Its products provide over 80,000 professional workshops with access to a comprehensive suite of up-to-date technical data and guidance on cars, light commercial vehicles and motorcycles, enabling them to carry out service, repair and diagnostic work.
The company was founded in 1975 by Richard Atherton and Dietmar Otto, is headquartered in Maidenhead and employs approximately 190 staff.
Repair and maintenance information has become increasingly important to automotive professionals, due to the growing complexity of modern cars, increasing model proliferation and the introduction of new technologies.
With its strong product range, and the high quality, breadth and accuracy of its data, Autodata has established itself as the leading supplier of essential technical information to the professional automotive aftermarket in Europe. The company is well-positioned for future growth, driven by the continued enhancement of its content and information systems, increased penetration of new territories in both Europe and beyond, and further expansion into diagnostic applications.
Bowmark partner, Julian Masters, said: “Autodata has an outstanding reputation in its marketplace. Its products provide ’must have’ information to one of Europe’s most important industries, providing the mechanic with an invaluable work-flow tool across the entire European car fleet. We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with the management on the next exciting stage in the company’s development.”
Javed Khan, co-managing partner of Five Arrows, said: “The market opportunity for Autodata is compelling, based on the further development of its content and delivery channels, and there is also significant scope for geographic expansion. We have been greatly impressed with the achievements of Rod and his management team, and look forward to working with them in the next phase of Autodata’s growth, in partnership with Bowmark Capital.”
UK, London & Maidenhead, Kent
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