Auto parts supplier LKQ to buy Quebec’s Uni-Select for $2.8 billion

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LKQ Corp. has signed a deal to acquire Quebec-primarily based Uni-Find Inc. in a roughly $2.8-billion offer that aims to enhance the U.S. automotive devices supplier’s aftermarket small business amid a thriving industry.

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Under the arrangement, LKQ will spend $48 for every Uni-Choose share in hard cash for the aftermarket automobile-pieces distributor. The invest in marks a 19.2-for each-cent high quality above the $40.28 closing price tag of Uni-Decide on shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on Friday.

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The transaction, which desires shareholder approval, also involves antitrust clearances in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. and approval less than the Investment Canada Act.

LKQ chief govt Dominick Zarcone claimed the offer will bolster the company’s auto-parts distribution and broaden its existence in Quebec.

“Uni-Select’s North American automotive refinish paint and mechanical-sections distribution operations complement LKQ’s existing footprint and will make it possible for us to distribute a broader array of products and solutions to our clients,” he claimed in a news release.

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In relationship with the deal, Chicago-based LKQ reported it will glimpse to market GSF Automobile Elements U.K., Uni-Select’s U.K.-dependent mechanical-pieces distribution business.

Uni-Find is recognized for the distribution of automotive paints, industrial coatings, components and other car products for the aftermarket, which refers to pieces and solutions procured following the preliminary sale to the purchaser.

Founded in Boucherville in 1968, the firm has extra than 5,200 workers, 15 distribution centres and much more than 400 branches. It supports additional than 16,000 vehicle-restore outlets and an additional 4,000 retailers via its repair-installer and vehicle-refinishing banners.

Some of its 95 firm-operated shops function underneath the names Bumper to Bumper, Vehicle Areas In addition and Finishmaster.

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The aftermarket — almost everything from tire variations to brake restore — saw product sales bounce over the previous two several years as source chain snarls sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic pushed up rates, whilst some dollars not invested on holidays went toward house and motor vehicle advancements.

“The automotive aftermarket remained buoyant in 2022 with a greater part of stores seeing growing profits and expecting additional advancement during 2023,” Andrew King, managing associate at DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, wrote in a take note this thirty day period.

“However, persistent issues bordering areas offer and prices remain problematic across the industry.”

Uni-Select CEO Brian McManus stated the deal will gas efficiencies and give liquidity to shareholders.

“We see wonderful chances to gain our consumers, workers, suppliers and brand names by combining our complementary strengths inside the larger, multi-disciplinary and developing LKQ team.”