Alliance Automotive Group acquires United Aftermarket Network

The Alliance Automotive Group has acquired the United Aftermarket Network (UAN) from shareholders Andrew and Rachael Dickinson. As a result of the acquisition, Jim Mazza, the current managing director of Groupauto, will move to a new role of managing director of Alliance Automotive Group UK trading groups. A new Groupauto MD will be recruited, Alliance adds. Andrew and Rachael Dickinson will remain with the business to transfer ownership efficiently, while Phil Dodd will immediately fill the Managing Director’s position at UAN. Both UAN and Groupauto will continue to operate as separate networks; Alliance says both brands will play to their strengths.

The combined purchasing power of the two groups is reported to be greater than £300 million per annum, with member sell out value exceeding £500 million. The additional four trading groups operated by the Alliance Automotive Group in France are not included in this figure.

Andrew Dickinson commented: “Rachael and I realised that for UAN to continue to progress as it has over the last eleven 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.”