The Parts Alliance has strengthened its position as a leader in the UK aftermarket parts distribution sector by acquiring former competitor GSF Car Parts.
The addition of GSF’s 75 branches brings the total number in The Parts Alliance network to more than 300, giving the group increased coverage in the U.K. and Ireland. It was supported in the purchase by investor HgCapital.
The Parts Alliance is the U.K.’s largest group of wholly owned and franchised businesses supplying OE-quality and matching parts to national and independent garages and workshops.
The total value of the U.K. auto parts aftermarket is around £3 billion (approximately $4.64 billion). GSF will be a wholly owned business within The Parts Alliance Group but will continue to trade locally under its own brand name in line with The Parts Alliance’s ethos of “local service, national strength.”
Peter Sephton, chief executive of The Parts Alliance, said, “This is a hugely significant acquisition which strengthens the product choice, service, value and expertise that we offer to our independent and national customers alike. GSF is a dynamic and successful business and I’m delighted to welcome Stan West, chairman of GSF, and his 1,000 colleagues to our growing group. It’s a great match. We share the same values and both believe in building lasting relationships with customers and suppliers. This deal gives us unrivalled coverage: ensuring delivery on the ground to national and independent garages and workshops by people who really understand their local market.”
Also commenting on the merger, West, who has joined the board of The Parts Alliance Group, noted, “This marks a great new chapter in the evolution of the company that I founded in 1977. GSF’s merger with The Parts Alliance and HgCapital’s investment allow us to maintain not only our culture and brand but also helps to create a true U.K. market leader.
