Global Alternative Asset Manager The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) and Old Mutual Private Equity today announced that they have agreed to acquire 100% of South African tyre retailer and wholesaler Tiger Automotive (TiAuto) from Ethos Private Equity and the founders. Funding for this investment will come from the Carlyle Sub-Saharan Africa Fund and Old Mutual Private Equity Fund IV, and TiAuto founders will also re-invest equity in the company. The transaction is expected to close in early 2015, subject to regulatory approvals.
TiAuto, which operates the iconic “Tiger Wheel & Tyre” brand as well as the new “Tyres & More” retail store format, is a retail and wholesale distributor of primarily automotive tyres from major global manufacturers such as Continental, Yokohama, Michelin, Pirelli, Goodyear, Achilles, GT Radial and Hankook. The company also distributes alloy wheels, automotive batteries and other auto parts and offers related fitment services. Established in 1967 by Eddie Keizan and Keith Rivers, the company currently has 104 owned and franchised stores across Southern Africa and employs over 1,500 people.
Marlon Chigwende, Head of the Carlyle Sub-Saharan Africa Fund, said: “Carlyle is pleased to be an investor in TiAuto alongside Old Mutual Private Equity and management. This is a robust business with a history of strong and consistent performance, run by a talented, experienced management team. As one of the most established and trusted brands in its sector in South Africa, TiAuto is well positioned to continue growing the business, and we are delighted to join them on this journey. Carlyle will also leverage its global automotive and consumer sector experience having previously invested in similar companies around the world.”
Jacci Myburgh, Head of Old Mutual Private Equity, said:“We are excited to partner with Alex and his team in writing the next chapter of the TiAuto story. We acknowledge the legacy that the founders and Ethos have created, and the honest, hardworking culture resonates deeply with us.”
Alex Taplin, Chief Executive Officer of TiAuto, commented: “Management is excited and optimistic about the prospects that lie ahead for our new partnership with Carlyle and Old Mutual Private Equity. They represent a combination of best-in-class experience with South African relevance and global significance, which will support the company’s growth plans. Having said that Management are sad to lose Ethos Private Equity as a partner in line with their investment horizon, they have made a meaningful difference in our business for which we will always be thankful. Management will co-invest significantly alongside Carlyle and Old Mutual, which illustrates our respective shared commitment. Thanks must also go to the many hardworking members of our team as well as our key suppliers, which work alongside us ensuring that we continue to give our customers the best service in the business.”
