German holding company Arques Industries AG has agreed the purchase of Auto Windscreens.
German holding company Arques Industries AG has agreed the purchase of Auto Windscreens.
Auto Windscreens, the second largest automotive glazing solutions company in the UK, has been acquired from Aviva by the quoted German business. Auto Windscreens will be Arques' first UK acquisition. Aviva purchased the business in 2005 as part of its acquisition of RAC.
The sale process should be completed by the end of December 2008, subject to regulatory approvals. The existing senior leadership team will continue to lead the business
Auto Windscreens employs nearly 1,800 people throughout its UK-wide operation, which encompasses 98 fitting centres and more than 600 mobile fitting units. The company also solely owns a windscreen manufacturing division and a contact centre, both of which are based at Auto Windscreens' head office in Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Commenting on the sale of Auto Windscreens, managing director Abu-Haris Shafi, said: "My message to all customers and colleagues is that it is very much business as usual. Exciting times are ahead for Auto Windscreens and I am delighted that Arques will be working with us to achieve our vision of being the leading automotive glazing services provider.
"We have a business model that enables us to maximise customer service and deliver competitive commercial propositions. I am confident that being part of the Arques portfolio we have the investment needed for us to drive forward in the marketplace."
Arques specialises in the restructuring and development of companies. Arques has grown its portfolio substantially over the last few years, buying a number of businesses similar to Auto Windscreens, representing a variety of markets, including motoring services.
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For further information, please contact:
Anna Melton
PR Manager
Auto Windscreens
E-mail: amelton@autowindscreens.co.uk
Telephone: 01246 223 192
Mobile: 07800 628008
Notes to editors:
About Auto Windscreens
Established in 1971, Auto Windscreens provides a complete automotive glazing repair and replacement service (windscreens, rear windows and side windows) to private motorists, fleets and the insurance industry.
Auto Windscreens is the only replacement windscreen specialist with its own UK manufacturing operation, producing 250,000 windscreens a year in a dedicated factory in Chesterfield.
With a national network of 98 fitting centres, backed by a fleet of more than 600 fully equipped mobile fitting units, Auto Windscreens provides a true 24/7 national service for private and corporate customers every year.
Auto Windscreens is the only automotive glazing repair and replacement company to have the innovative wet weather canopy. Designed in-house, the canopy ensures more mobile jobs can be completed during wet weather.