Deal Announcement - Automotive - Knoll

IMAP advised automotive parts distributor Knoll on its sale to Alliance Automotive Group, part of
the Genuine Parts Company. Knoll GmbH (Knoll), a leading German automotive spare parts distributor, was sold to Alliance Automotive Group (AAG), part of the US Genuine Parts Company (GPC). In addition to Knoll, AAG also acquired the shares of the affiliated company Transport + Logistik Schleiz GmbH, as well as significant parts of the holding company Manfred Knoll Holding GmbH through an asset deal. Knoll is a specialized distributor of automotive spare parts, offering a wide range of services in addition to automotive spare parts, original manufacturer parts and workshop equipment. Founded more than 90 years ago, Knoll manages a nationwide network of 18 distribution centres under the Knoll brand, with approximately 560 employees in Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony and Thuringia. Headquartered in Bayreuth, the group generated net sales of €107m in 2021.

Alliance Automotive Group is a leading distributor of car and commercial vehicle parts serving the independent automotive aftermarket in Europe and plays a key role in the independent aftermarket supply chain. The company operates in the UK, France, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands. AAG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company, the world's largest automotive parts distributor with activities in North America, Europe and Australasia. AAG will provide the necessary resources to drive Knoll's next phase of growth.

The IMAP Germany team, led by Henning Graw and Sebastian Dinklage, exclusively advised the shareholders of the Knoll Group within a structured M&A process through all phases up to the successful signing. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by the antitrust authorities.