Gilbert + Tobin is pleased to have advised the ASX-listed AMA Group Limited (AMA Group) on two transactions:

    the proposed demerger of its Automotive Component, Accessory and Procurement Business; and
    the proposed acquisition of the post-demerger AMA Group and its remaining vehicle panel repairs business by The Blackstone Group, for an enterprise value of A$508 million.

Under the first transaction, AMA Group will demerge its Automotive Component, Accessory and Procurement Business into a new company to be listed on the ASX. AMA Group shareholders at the time of the demerger will receive one share in the new company for each share they own in AMA Group. The demerger will be effected by way of Scheme of Arrangement and is subject to approval by AMA Group shareholders.

In a separate transaction, The Blackstone Group has agreed to acquire the post-demerged AMA Group (including its Vehicle Panel Repairs Business), for an enterprise value of A$508 million. This transaction is also to be effected by way of Scheme of Arrangement and is subject to approval by AMA Group shareholders.

AMA Group is a leader in the vehicle aftercare and accessories market, with strong recent success in both the Automotive Component, Accessory and Procurement industry and the Vehicle Panel Repairs industry. AMA Group’s footprint has grown in recent years, it currently has over 100 workshops and operations in both Australia and New Zealand.

Blackstone is one of the world’s leading private equity firms, with over US$58 billion of equity capital invested or committed since its inception.

Gilbert + Tobin partner Costas Condoleon said Gilbert + Tobin was pleased to have advised on this important strategic transaction for AMA Group’s shareholders.

“Both the demerger and the transaction with Blackstone are a credit to AMA Group’s strong performance and excellent reputation. We have been delighted to be able to assist AMA Group on negotiating and navigating such complex transactions and look forward to continuing to work towards completion of both transactions”

Gilbert + Tobin’s market-leading M&A team has advised on many of Australia’s largest and most innovative recent M&A transactions, including advising Harbour Energy on its proposed US$13.5 billion acquisition of Santos, CHAMP Private Equity on the $1 billion sale of Accolade Wines, The Stars Group on its acquisition of CrownBet and subsequent acquisition of William Hill, Beach Energy on the $1.6 billion acquisition of Lattice Energy and Cleanaway Waste Management on its acquisition of Tox Free Solutions.