Manheim Invests in Customers and the Auto Industry with Acquisition of Dealer Solutions

• Strategically combines two automotive industry leaders known for innovation, customer focus and delivering results

• Creates broader suite of open solutions that provide greater value to the wholesale and retail automotive sectors

• Dealers, vehicle manufacturers, fleet managers and vehicle sellers to benefit

Manheim, a division of Cox Automotive Inc., has today announced it has purchased Dealer Solutions.

The combination of Manheim and Dealer Solutions, under the Cox Automotive umbrella, will create a broader suite of open solutions that deliver greater value to dealers, manufacturers, fleet managers, vehicle sellers and the overall automotive industry.  

Dealer Solutions’ broad solution set for dealers and vehicle manufactures is an excellent complement to Manheim’s vehicle remarketing services that serve the wider automotive ecosystem. Together, Manheim and Dealer Solutions will be well positioned to help customers grow their businesses and increase efficiencies as they navigate a rapidly changing global automotive industry.

With the move into Cox Automotive, Chris Vening, former CEO and owner of Dealer Solutions has retired. Moving forward, former Chief Operating Officer of Dealer Solutions, Damian Jones will be the new Chief Executive Officer. Damian will report to Campbell Jones, CEO of Manheim Australia and New Zealand.

As the previous Chief Operating Officer and having been with the company since 1999, his expertise, experience and impressive credentials made him the natural selection for this new position. His Executive team is comprised of Mark Butler (Chief Sales Officer) and Martin Clarke (Chief Technology Officer) who are stalwarts of the company.

John Bailey, Executive Vice President, Cox Automotive International, said “This is a great investment in our customers and in the auto industry. Cox Automotive has identified Australia and New Zealand as growth markets and as a sign of our confidence in Manheim, Dealer Solutions and our people, have made this significant investment in the future growth of our group of companies.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chris and acknowledge the outstanding contribution he has made to the automotive sector through his ownership of Dealer Solutions. Chris should be very proud of his achievements and we wish him all the best for the future. I would also like to thank him for his work in making this deal come to fruition.”

Campbell Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Manheim Australia and New Zealand said, “Dealer Solutions is one of the most trusted and respected automotive services brands in Australia and they have an impeccable record of service and customer commitment. They are an industry leading, innovative and technology driven company which makes them an outstanding addition to our family.”

“There are many fabulous synergies in play between the Manheim and Dealer Solutions businesses. Operating in similar markets and servicing similar customers, we have little overlap between the products and services we both offer. As such there is massive potential to work together and provide our customers with the most comprehensive range of products and services available in the wholesale and retail sectors in the automotive market.”

Campbell continued, “I am confident Damian and his team will ensure Dealer Solutions continues on its successful path and is well placed to maximise the exciting opportunities for growth under the Cox Automotive umbrella.”

Damian Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Dealer Solutions, said, “Having been with the company since 1999, it is clear to me that the time is right and this move is a natural progression for the future of the Dealer Solutions business. Becoming part of Manheim and Cox Automotive will provide Dealer Solutions with access to global resources, new products and services and the support of the world’s leading automotive services company. It will provide us with opportunities to even better meet the needs of our customers and the industry as a whole.”

“Clearly there are immediate opportunities for the synergies between our companies to be explored for the benefit of our customers and to fuel our business growth. Work has already commenced on how we will best collaborate and not only maintain our excellent levels of customer service at Dealer Solutions and Manheim, but build, strengthen and collectively improve our customer focused approach.”

“This move will allow us to bring more of the services and products within the Cox Automotive stable internationally, into our local markets. I am extremely enthusiastic about our future with Manheim and Cox Automotive.”

Ends/-

For further information please contact:

Mathew McAuley – Manheim Public Relations
Mobile: +61 400 875 686

Email: mathew.mcauley@manheim.com.au

About Manheim (www.manheim.com.au)

As an Australian market leader in the provision of automotive and industrial remarketing services, Manheim offers a comprehensive range of asset management and disposal services. With almost 60 years of experience across a broad range of industry sectors, Manheim delivers high quality services on a national basis to help customers meet their fleet and asset management business objectives.

Based in Melbourne, Manheim employs approximately 650 team members across all states in Australia as well as in New Zealand. A short company overview can be accessed via this link.

Manheim is owned by Cox Automotive, Inc., a division of Cox Enterprises which is one of the largest privately owned companies in the US.

About Dealer Solutions (www.dealersolutions.com.au)

Dealer Solutions is a major player in the wholesale and retail automotive sectors, with a client base of well over 3,000 dealerships in addition to a number of automotive digital publishers and vehicle manufacturers. They offer a comprehensive range of modular software and online based services, including building and managing Manufacturer and Dealer websites, inventory management, digital marketing strategies, lead management programs and photography services.

Based in Brisbane, Dealer Solutions employs approximately 95 team members, located at head office and in offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

About Cox Automotive (www.coxautoinc.com)

Cox Automotive, Inc. is transforming the way the world buys, sells and owns cars with industry-leading digital marketing, software, financial, wholesale and e-commerce solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the overall automotive ecosystem worldwide. Committed to open choice and dedicated to strong partnerships, the Cox Automotive family includes Manheim®, Autotrader®, Kelley Blue Book®, Dealertrack®, vAuto®, Xtime®, NextGear Capital® and a host of other brands. The global company has nearly 30,000 team members in more than 200 locations worldwide.

Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, Inc., an Atlanta-based company with revenues of more than $17 billion and approximately 55,000 employees. Cox Enterprises' other major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications and Cox Media Group. For more information about Cox Automotive, visit www.coxautoinc.com.