GROUPAUTO and UAN join forces
The Alliance Automotive Group has announced the acquisition of the United Aftermarket Network (UAN) from the current shareholders Andrew and Rachael Dickinson.
The combined purchasing power of these two groups is greater than £300 million per annum with member sell out value exceeding £500 million. This is in addition to the purchasing power of the four trading groups operated by Alliance Automotive Group in France.
Jim Mazza the current Managing Director of GROUPAUTO will move to a new role of managing director of Alliance Automotive Group UK trading groups and a Managing Director of GROUPAUTO will be recruited.
Andrew and Rachael will stay with the business to ensure an effective transfer of ownership and Phil Dodd will immediately fill the managing director’s position at UAN.
The UAN and GROUPAUTO will continue to operate as separate networks playing to the strengths of the respective brands.
Andrew Dickinson commented, ‘Rachael and I realised that for UAN to continue to progress as it has over the last 11 years, we needed to become part of a larger, European wide organisation. It is our opinion that joining forces with GROUPAUTO will enable this process.’
Jim Mazza said, ‘The independent motor factor is faced with a fast-changing market environment with different competitors seeking to position themselves for advantage. We are in a world where size increasingly matters and it is vital that our members are part of a group which has the resources and purchasing power to enable them to compete on a level playing field.
‘This initiative is the product of considerable thought and effort as all had to be satisfied that joining forces was in the best interest of the members and employees of the respective groups.’
He added, ‘When we had the opportunity to look at what such a combination could offer it became a question of ‘when’ it would happen and not ‘if’. The two groups will have the resources and expertise to enhance their offer to members.
‘I am relishing the opportunity to work with the GROUPAUTO and UAN teams to ensure the members of both groups achieve tangible benefits.’
