The Hungarian Competition Authority has approved AutoWallis Plc.’s acquisition of an additional 20 percent ownership in Iniciál Autóház Kft. (Iniciál), this dynamically growing company with over 130 employees, making the corporation listed in the Premium category of the Budapest Stock Exchange the 60 percent owner of Iniciál. Last year, AutoWallis established a cooperation agreement with Iniciál Group, known for its 25 years of experience in the field of vehicle sales; as a first step, it acquired 40% of Iniciál in the beginning of July, and then in August an additional 20%, now approved, so it is now the 60% owner of the company. Iniciál is involved in the sales and after-sales services of seven vehicle brands (Dacia, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Renault, Suzuki and Toyota) in four sites (Győr, Mosonmagyaróvár, Sopron, and Szombathely), and the company’s revenue was HUF 19.3 billion last year. AutoWallis acquired the 20% Iniciál share in the second step as part of a contribution in kind of HUF 868 million. Based on the earlier decision of the corporation’s Board of Directors regarding the capital increase, the rate per share of the 10,049,568 AutoWallis shares to be newly issued in a private placement following the approval of the Hungarian Competition Authority is HUF 86.4. Regarding the shares received as contribution in kind, the sellers have secured a lock-up commitment: no shares may be sold until May 31, 2021; and in the following 5 years the shares may only be sold in limited quantity, on a fixed schedule and quoted value, and in the predetermined manner. 

Having developed a long-term, stable cooperation with AutoWallis, Zsolt Taródy continues to fulfil the position of managing director and professional manager of the Iniciál Group even after the acquisition of the majority ownership. After joining the AutoWallis group, Iniciál Autóház will continue on the road started 25 years ago, as it has led Iniciál to become a significant actor in its region, compliant in all aspects with any importer expectations. The transaction has added further fleet brands of significant position to the brands already sold by members of the AutoWallis group, which is in line with the strategy announced last year, aiming to make the company a major mobility provider for the Central and Eastern European region by 2029. The acquisition supports another important strategic objective of AutoWallis, in addition to increasing the number of brands sold, as the number of the group’s sales points in the Hungarian market also grows, in addition to the international expansion announced in recent months. With the growing number of sales and after-sales servicing points, AutoWallis may see an increase in the volume of the more profitable services as well within its revenue.

For further information on the Iniciál Group: www.inicial.hu