MCF supports Bridgepoint in the sale of A-Katsastus Group to MB Funds
Bridgepoint, a European private equity fund, has sold a majority stake in A-Katsastus Group Oy (“A-Katsastus Group”), a European leader in vehicle inspections, damage inspection, and collision repair services, to the Finnish private equity investor MB Funds.
MCF acted as adviser to Bridgepoint in this transaction and is proud of the long-term client relationship with Bridgepoint and having been entrusted to advise in both acquisition and divestment processes over the past years. MCF had also supported A-Katsastus Group in the recent sale of their non-Finnish activities to IK Investment Partners in 2018.
The Deal
After having supported A-Katsastus Group in its transformation, Bridgepoint has now sold a majority stake of A-Katsastus Group’s damage inspection and collision repair services as well as statutory vehicle inspection, registration and drivers’ examination services business to MB Funds. With MB Funds, the company returns to Finnish ownership by an experienced industry partner who will provide an excellent platform for A-Katsastus Group’s future growth.
MB Funds aims to support the strong growth of insurance-related services as well as the further transformation of the inspection industry. With these services being brought closer to the customers, MB Funds is able to provide vital support for the company going forward.
Closing of the transaction requires competition authority’s approval and closing is expected later this summer.
The Target
A-Katsastus Group is Finland’s leading provider of vehicle inspection, driver examination, registration, and road traffic licensing services. In addition to inspection services, the group’s range of services also includes nationwide InCar damage repair and maintenance services, SVT damage inspections, A-Test & Consulting testing services and repair shop equipment maintenance. A-Katsastus Group’s total revenue in 2018 was 123,5 million euros, the company has a total of around 1,300 employees at over 200 outlets in Finland.
Client statement
Kari Kivikoski, CEO of A-Katsastus Group, said: “MB Funds has experience in the industry and provides us with an excellent opportunity to further develop our company after the transformation done with the support of Bridgepoint. MCF has been a trusted partner for us, first in the sale of our Swedish, Baltic and Polish activities in 2018 and now in Bridgepoint’s exit to MB Funds.”
About Bridgepoint
Bridgepoint is a major international private equity group focused on investing in market-leading businesses, working with management teams to create and realise value within its portfolio companies.
About MB Funds
MB Funds is a leading Finnish private equity investor founded in 1988. Total assets under MB Funds management stand at 0.5 billion euro with prime Finnish institutions as its main fund investors. MB Funds has successfully invested in approximately 40 mid-sized companies in the Nordics.
