New name in frame for Unipart Automotive

21 July 2014  

The situation at Unipart Automotive remains precarious, as a number of buyers remain in talks to take on the division.

The company announced almost two weeks ago that it had filed notice of intent to appoint administrators while it sought a buyer for the business. This was not a direct appointment but rather an option. Since then talks have been on-going with a number of parties in the hopes of securing the future of the firm’s 200 branches and 1,600 employees.

Early indications suggested that investment group Better Capital and Euro Car Parts were in discussions to purchase the company, with ECP emerging as a leading candidate. However, according to reports in The Sunday Times, the factor’s interest has cooled, with investment firm R Capital, the company behind the resurgence of the Little Chef brand, is now the leading bidder, although two unnamed sources are still involved in talks.

Unipart sold its automotive division to H2 Equity Partners in 2011. The company has sought to make it clear that the issues surrounding Unipart Automotive do not have any effect on Unipart itself, which is a separate business.