J.D. Power, a prominent global leader in data analytics, has recently announced a definitive agreement to acquire Autovista Group, a renowned pan-European and Australian automotive data, analytics, and industry insights provider. This strategic acquisition complements J.D. Power's existing strengths in vehicle valuation and intricate vehicle specification data and analytics while significantly expanding its presence within the European and Australian automotive markets.
This acquisition represents a crucial moment, as it delivers substantial value to the customers of both companies. It brings together Autovista Group's extensive European and Australian market intelligence with J.D. Power's market-leading predictive analytics, valuation data, and customer experience datasets. These complementary offerings will empower original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), insurers, dealers, and financing companies with a truly global perspective on critical industry trends. They will also provide the tools to accurately predict risk, capitalize on emerging trends, and align sales strategies with real-time market dynamics.
Pete Cimmet, Chief Strategy Officer at J.D. Power, stated:
The addition of Autovista Group broadens our global presence allowing us to serve our customers across key global markets including North America, Europe and Asia/Australia. We look forward to partnering with the Autovista team to launch innovative new products and pursue strategic add-on acquisitions in Europe and Australia.
[Source: Business Wire]
Autovista Group, through its five prominent brands—Autovista, Glass's, Eurotax, Schwacke, and Rødboka—standardizes and categorizes a multitude of technical attributes for nearly every vehicle manufactured in European and Australian markets. This comprehensive approach offers clients a 360-degree view of detailed vehicle data, which is invaluable for valuations, forecasts, and repair estimates. Furthermore, Autovista Group's robust analytical solutions and its team of seasoned experts are trusted by stakeholders across the automobile industry for their in-depth insights and benchmarks related to vehicle values, ownership, replacements, and repair costs.
Under this agreement, Autovista Group's senior leadership, along with its 700 employees, will remain part of the organization, serving as J.D. Power's automotive data and analytics platform for Australia and Europe. Lindsey Roberts will continue to lead the team in her role as President of J.D. Power Europe, reporting to CEO Dave Habiger.
Currently, Autovista Group is owned by Hayfin Capital Management, a prominent European alternative asset management firm.
The anticipated closure of the Autovista Group acquisition is set for conclusion by the end of 2023, pending customary closing conditions and regulatory review and approval.
For this transaction, RBC Capital Markets acted as the exclusive financial advisor, and Kirkland & Ellis provided legal counsel to J.D. Power. TD Cowen served as the exclusive financial advisor, with Macfarlanes, Cravath, Swaine & Moore, and Mishcon de Reya acting as legal advisors to Autovista Group and Hayfin.
About J.D. Power
J.D. Power, a renowned consumer insights, advisory services, and data and analytics firm, has consistently spearheaded the use of big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and algorithmic modeling to illuminate the intricacies of consumer behavior for more than half a century. With a storied legacy of providing in-depth industry intelligence on customer interactions with brands and products, J.D. Power serves as the trusted leader for the world's preeminent enterprises, spanning diverse major sectors, profoundly influencing and refining their customer-centric strategies.