Euro Car Parts acquires Andrew Page network

Dear Customer

I am writing to you with exciting news about the future of Andrew Page. You might have heard rumours and gossip about us recently, so I think it is important that you hear the truth directly from us.

We have been acquired by the LKQ Corporation. They are one of the giants of the automotive aftermarket, having grown from their roots of an American collision parts business to become a global player in alternative and speciality parts, body panels, paint and coatings, and even automotive glass. LKQ owns some of the biggest parts distributors in Europe, including Sator in Holland, and Rhiag in Italy, which also has operations in ten more European countries. Of course LKQ also has a leading position here in the UK, as they are the parent company of Euro Car Parts.

Andrew Page is in its 99th year, a tremendous achievement for any business, and we are obviously thinking about our centenary and beyond. One of the most important ingredients in our long and continued success has been our unwavering commitment to stock the right products, and give the right service, to help our customers' businesses thrive. I can assure you that Andrew Page is not about to be merged with another company, nor will it turn into a copy of anyone. I am impressed and excited with the vision that LKQ have for Andrew Page, using their global scale and resources to help us become stronger, and an even better partner for you. Above all else, I can see how LKQ can help support Andrew Page's people to deliver our promises to you, giving you a real choice in this crowded market. My management team and I are looking forward to celebrating the 100th year of Andrew Page with you.

In short, the gossip about the future of Andrew Page couldn't be further from the truth. We have a bright, exciting future, backed by one of the largest and most capable players in the global automotive aftermarket. With their help, and with the know-how of our people, we plan to be around for the next 99 years, doing what we've always done – serving our customers.

I thank you for your continued loyalty to us, and I look forward to developing our businesses together in future.

Euro Car Parts has acquired Andrew Page, the automotive parts distributor, for an undisclosed fee.

As part of the transaction, Euro Car Parts will acquire 102 Andrew Page branches, its national distribution centre and head office in Leeds. The business, which was founded in 1917, won Motor Trader’s Factor of the Year Award in 2015 and operates mostly across England.

Euro Car Parts, which is owned by LKQ Corporation, is the UK’s biggest supplier of car parts but will continue to operate its new acquisition under the Andrew Page banner.

“As a competitor, I have always had the greatest respect and admiration for Andrew Page and the brand. So today, I’m absolutely delighted to welcome them into the LKQ family,” said UK chairman LKQ board member Sukhpal Singh Ahluwalia.

“The acquisition by LKQ firmly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the UK market, which includes their investment in the Euro Car Parts brand new 1.6M sq. ft. distribution centre, located in Tamworth and our recent acquisition of Arleigh, a specialist leisure wholesaler. “

Euro Car Parts’ UK CEO Martin Gray said: “I am delighted to confirm that the future of the Andrew Page business has been secured, which celebrates its UK centenary next year. We remain committed to assuring that the iconic Andrew Page brand continues to thrive and will remain separate from Euro Car Parts, but will benefit from our UK infrastructure, inventory and the financial support from the LKQ Corporation.

“I am thrilled to confirm that Mark Saunders will remain as managing director of Andrew Page and we are committed to retaining all team members – they are the DNA that makes Andrew Page so uniquely special. We very much hope that Andrew Page’s customers will continue to support Andrew Page, partnering with them to ensure that the Andrew Page proposition, that they rely upon and love, continues to meet their current and future requirements”.