In a bid to drive further growth in its German automotive services provider Auto-Teile-Unger (A.T.U.) and offer A.T.U. customers a continually enhanced experience, Mobivia – a European leader in multi-brand vehicle servicing and parts – has joined forces with Michelin, which has acquired a 20 percent minority stake in A.T.U for a total amount of €60 million (approximately $75 million USD).
Mobivia and Michelin will combine their expertise in their respective historical markets in order to improve the customer experience and support the development of A.T.U. in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Established in 1985, A.T.U. today boasts one of the largest networks of auto centers in Germany, which is Europe’s leading auto aftermarket. The brand operates 577 auto centers in Germany, 25 in Austria and six in Switzerland.
A.T.U. became part of the Mobivia group in December 2016. Mobivia already serves as a European provider of multi-brand servicing through its historical brands Norauto, Midas and Carter-Cash. Today, Mobivia is a leading auto maintenance and repair chain in Europe. The company has more than 2,030 workshops and retail outlets and more than 20,000 employees. Total annual revenue for the year ended Sept. 30, 2017, was €2.7 billion (approximately $3.4 billlion).
Michelin has more than 110 years of experience in Germany and employs more than 8,600 people in the manufacture, sale and distribution of tires and associated services in the country. The partnership with Mobivia is an opportunity for the Michelin Group to expand access to markets for its products and offer an even richer customer experience alongside A.T.U.
Olivier Melis, chief operating officer of Mobivia, said, “In a changing auto industry, we believe that partnering with an industry leader will enable A.T.U. to continue the renewal process that it began this year.”
Jörn Werner, CEO of A.T.U., said, “Joining Mobivia set the stage for our transformation. Michelin’s contribution will strengthen our momentum so that we can sustainably and effectively satisfy our customers, which is one of our priorities.”
Yves Chapot, executive vice president, Automotive Business Lines and Asia, Africa, India and the Middle East regions at the Michelin Group, added, “Mobivia, the benchmark vehicle servicing specialist in several European countries, has a track record of growth and constantly improved quality of service. With more than 110 years’ experience in these countries, Michelin is familiar with the needs of their consumers and the specific demands of their markets. That’s why we wanted to join forces, to improve the customer experience and showcase our mobility offerings.”
The completion of the agreement remains subject to the approval of the competent anti-trust authorities.
