US motor parts distributor acquires Leeds-based Andrew Page

Andrew Page, the Leeds-based distributor of auto parts, has been acquired by US-based firm LKQ Corporation (LKQ).

LKQ, an S&P500 company listed on Nasdaq, is a motor parts distributor in the US and the owner of Euro Car Parts in the UK.

Andrew Page is a distributor of auto parts, workshop equipment, tools and diagnostics, primarily to independent garages.

Founded in 1917, Andrew Page has 109 sites and over 2,000 full time and part time staff. It had sales of £192m in the financial year ending September 2015.

Jim Sumner, chairman of Andrew Page, said: “The strategic acquisition by LKQ recognises that Andrew Page is a strong business with a historic brand.

“We are pleased at the completion of the sale, which brings the business and its employees into a global group with more than $8bn in sales.

“The investment also highlights the continuing attractiveness of British businesses for foreign buyers.”

Mr Sumner, who is standing down after completion of the deal, added: “I would like to wish Andrew Page and its new owners best wishes for the future.”

LKQ is buying all of the assets and operations of Andrew Page, except for seven of the company’s 109 branches.

Mark Saunders, chief executive of Andrew Page, commented: “This is a great deal for Andrew Page and its employees and puts us in a strong position for the future.

“We are looking forward to working with LKQ at an exciting time for the motor parts sector, which is undergoing consolidation throughout Europe.”

As part of the sale process, administrators from PwC were appointed to Andrew Page Limited, Solid Auto (UK) Limited, Camberley Auto Factors Ltd and Colton Parts Company Limited on October 3 and immediately concluded a pre-packaged sale of the business and assets of each company to the purchaser.

Addleshaw Goddard advised Andrew Page Limited.

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