Van Mossel strengthens position in Germany with major acquisition

• Nord-Ostsee Automobile in Germany added to Van Mossel Automotive Group
• Acquisition includes 40 branches in and around the regions of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Berlin/Brandenburg, and Hanover
• 38 dealerships and 2 body repair companies
• Includes 23 Mercedes-Benz, 9 Hyundai and 3 Iveco bra nches, a Hymer centre, an Aston Martin centre, and a premium Aston Martin City-Store

 Waalwijk, 23 September 2024 – Van Mossel Automotive Group has reached an agreement with the German company Nord-Ostsee Automobile SE & Co KG to acquire all of its activities. Nord-Ostsee Automobile operates as a passenger car, van, and truck dealer. The company also offers the Hymer brand of leisure vehicles and provides body repair services.

 The 40 branches are spread across 24 different cities in the regions of Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Berlin/Brandenburg, and Hanover. Nord-Ostsee Automobile serves as a passenger car dealer for Mercedes-Benz (including AMG), Smart, Hyundai, and Aston Martin. As a commercial vehicle dealer, the company represents Mercedes-Benz Vans & Trucks and Iveco. Additionally, Nord-Ostsee Automobile is a dealer for the leisure vehicle brand Hymer. With this acquisition, Van Mossel Automotive Group’s brand portfolio expands to 45 car brands.
This step makes Nord-Ostsee Automobile a key player within Van Mossel Automotive International, the international division of Van Mossel Automotive Group, which encompasses all activities outside the Benelux. The transaction is now being reviewed by the Competition Authority. Completion of the acquisition is expected in January 2025.

The management team of the award-winning Nord-Ostsee Automobile – with CEO Dr Christian Splett-Henning, board member Tarek Khalifa, CFO Jörn Sander, and head of Aftersales Sönke Peters – will continue in their current roles. This ensures continuity for employees, customers, and manufacturers in Germany. The company will continue to operate under the name Nord-Ostsee Automobile. Around 1,800 employees will remain in their current positions.

Jurrie Scholtens, CEO of Van Mossel Automotive International, explains: “This acquisition marks a significant step in our pan-European growth strategy, focusing on key regions in Western and Northern Europe. We already have a presence in Germany through the Hugo Pfohe dealership group and our leasing brands DirectLease and Van Mossel Autolease.” With the addition of Nord-Ostsee Automobile, Van Mossel Automotive International will grow to around 3,300 employees and will generate a turnover of €1.8 billion across Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Following the acquisition, the total workforce of Van Mossel Automotive Group will increase to over 8,800 employees, with turnover rising to €7.6 billion.

“The approval announced by the OEMs gives us full confidence to further strengthen our position in northern Germany.” Scholtens continues. “We are very pleased with the positive and close collaboration with all parties involved and look forward to working with the strong management team and skilled employees at Nord-Ostsee Automobile to introduce even more German customers to the strength of our group.”

CEO Dr. Christian Splett-Henning adds: “Our new structure is a win-win situation. It’s a development from which our customers, employees, and manufacturers directly benefit.”

Board member Tarek Khalifa says: “Our collaboration opens up new possibilities for the future, which we are excited to explore.”

About Van Mossel Automotive Group
Over the past 75 years, Van Mossel Automotive Group has grown into one of the largest automotive companies in Europe. At the moment, the group operates 459 branches across the Benelux, Denmark, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, representing 43 car brands. Each year, more than 186,000 new and used vehicles are sold. The body repair companies also provide nationwide coverage in Belgium and the Netherlands. Additionally, International Car Lease Holding, with a fleet of 125,000 vehicles, is part of the group, including leasing brands such as Van Mossel Autolease, J&T Autolease, DirectLease, and Van Mossel Westlease. Currently, more than 7,000 passionate employees work for the group, generating a turnover of €6.8 billion in 2024.