8 AFTERMARKET MAY 2023 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net As Aftermarket reported last month, the owner of GSF Car Parts, Canadianbased Uni-Select Inc has been bought by U.S-based LKQ Corporation, which owns LKQ Euro Car Parts in the UK, along with a host of other companies across Europe. Commenting on the sale, Uni-Select Executive Chair and CEO Brian McManus said: “We are extremely grateful for the efforts of the GSF team for the integral part they have played in the success of Uni-Select and its substantial growth since 2017.” For the time being, the two companies will run as usual. This includes GSF Car Parts and its chain of 180 branches around the UK. Ultimately though, GSF Car Parts will be sold on. LKQ Corporation later made clear that it will be looking to sell the factor chain. The deal will need to meet the approval of the Competition and Mergers Authority (CMA) in the UK, and LKQ Corporation will offer to sell GSF as part of its application for the CMA’s approval of the transaction and the divestment. In the meantime, LKQ Corporation will not be involved in the day-to-day running of the GSF business with the existing management team remaining in place and the organisation ringfenced from LKQ. Dominick Zarcone, President and Chief Executive Officer of LKQ Corporation, said: “As detailed in the presentation shared on our website upon announcing the acquisition, we expect to divest GSF following receipt of relevant regulatory approvals. We hope this announcement helps to reassure the UK aftermarket that we remain committed to competition in the sector.” GSF Car Parts President and COO Sukhbir Kapoor went on to say: “We are a strong and healthy business, optimistic about the eventual outcome of the divestment process, given the strength of GSF and the talent of our 2,500 people across the UK. Everyone at GSF Car Parts remains committed to driving value and delivering the excellent service to our customers on which the business has built its strong reputation.” LKQ’s acquisition of the Andrew Page business in 2017 led to it being required to sell on branches in nine areas in order to conform with competition rules. Reassurance Following news breaking on LKQ Corporation’s acquisition of Uni-Select, the IGA was contacted by GSF Car LITTLE FISH, BIG FISH, ONE FISH? With GSF Car Parts set to be sold following the LKQ/Uni-Select deal, what will happen to its network of 180 outlets, and how will the aftermarket be affected?
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