Digraph now a LKQ company

LKQ Corporation recently acquired UK-based commercial vehicle parts aftermarket specialist Digraph. It describes the deal as a “milestone for LKQ Europe” as it marks the company’s formal market entry into the truck parts business.

Following the transaction, Digraph will be integrated into the LKQ UK and Ireland group, alongside LKQ Euro Car Parts, LKQ Bodyshop and LKQ Leisure and Marine (Arleigh Group). The business will continue to operate as a separate legal entity under the Digraph brand.

According to LKQ Corporation, the benefits Digraph will gain by joining LKQ Europe include enhanced buying power and the support of a combined financial strength. LKQ also speaks of planned new investments in Digraph’s “people and systems.”

Unparalleled parts availability

“We are proud that Digraph with its rich history joins the LKQ family in Europe,” states Varun Laroyia, chief executive officer of LKQ Europe. “By entering the truck parts business, we broaden our capabilities, and importantly provide our customers unparalleled parts availability, expertise and benefits of our scale.”

LKQ made an initial investment in Digraph in 2017 and it has since provided strategic guidance and support as well working in partnership on procurement. Digraph was founded in 1976 from a single Portakabin in West Hallam, Derbyshire, and today operates 21 branches across the UK, making 300,000 deliveries annually to more than 4,000 customers.

James Rawson, Digraph’s chief executive officer, has announced his intention to stand down from the business on completion of the deal. Andy Southby, currently managing director of the LKQ Bodyshop division in the UK and Ireland will assume responsibility of managing director of Digraph alongside his LKQ Bodyshop responsibilities.

“LKQ has been an instrumental partner to our growth and success since 2017 and I know Digraph has a bright future as part of the group”, says Rawson. “Now it’s time for an exciting new chapter for the business with the power of the LKQ UK and Ireland group behind it.”

About LKQ Europe

LKQ Europe is the region’s leading distributor of automotive aftermarket parts for cars, commercial vans and industrial vehicles. It currently employs approximately 26,000 people with a network of 1,000 branches and achieved revenue of approximately US$5.5 billion in 2020. The organisation supplies around 100,000 independent workshops in over 20 European countries.

In addition to Digraph, the group includes Euro Car Parts, Fource, Rhiag Group, Elit, Auto Kelly, and Stahlgruber Group, as well as recycling specialist, Atracco. LKQ also holds a minority interest in Mekonomen Group.