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IMAP advised Knoll on the sale to Alliance Automotive Group, part of the American Genuine Parts Company

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

IMAP advised Knoll GmbH (Knoll), a leading German automotive spare parts distributor, on its sale 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 EUR 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.

Fabian Roberg, CEO of AAG Germany, emphasizes: "Knoll is a company with a long history of success and strong ties to its customers. Knoll and AAG have many things in common, such as a supplier base, a shared corporate culture, and a bond of partnership with employees and business partners. Because of this common background, I believe that Knoll and AAG have the best prerequisites to be successful together in the market. I am confident that we will develop new growth opportunities in our markets."

Manfred Knoll, CEO of Knoll, said: "We are proud of Knoll's achievements since its foundation in 1930, which have enabled us to become one of the leading suppliers of automotive spare parts in the German market. We are very pleased to partner with one of the leading companies in Europe to prepare Knoll and its employees for the future development and challenges of our industry in the coming years."

The IMAP team consisting of Henning Graw (Managing Partner) and Sebastian Dinklage (Associate) 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.

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