Euro Car Parts buys £22m Nottingham firm

A family investor behind the the UK’s largest distributor of replacement parts for all makes of cars and vans, Euro Car Parts (ECP), has bought, Eastwood, Nottingham-based Digraph Transport Supplies.

The Ahluwalia family, which also owns the property company Dominvs Group, has invested in Digraph alongside ECP and James Rawson, who will remain managing director of the firm.

“Digraph is already one of the leading independent suppliers into the billion-pound heavy truck and trailer parts aftermarket,” said Sukhpal Ahluwalia. “With 14 branches already providing a superb service to their customers, our aim is to extend this legendary service to all parts of the UK with wider and deeper product ranges.”

Rawson said: “This is great news for Digraph and its customers. The investment is going to enable Digraph to access the resources we need to grow the business and implement our expansion plans. We will work closely with ECP to enhance customer service levels. I am thrilled to be working with Sukhpal and taking up the challenge of extending the Digraph service to customers throughout the UK.”

Sukhpal Ahluwhalia

Digraph was founded in 1976 by Peter Rawson, who was later joined by his son James. The firm has 14 branches across the UK, including in Derby, Gainsborough, Leicester, Burton, Newark and Nottingham. Its latest accounts show the firm made a profit of £1.27m for year-ending 31 December 2015 on a turnover of £22.2m. At the time, the company employed 155 people.

Sukhpal Ahluwalia added: “I am truly excited by the prospect of working with James Rawson and his talented and experienced Digraph team, all of whom are remaining with the company. I am particularly pleased that Digraph’s founder and outgoing Chairman, Peter Rawson, has also offered to stay on indefinitely, giving his invaluable advice. Peter is a motor trade hero and epitomises the Digraph maxim:‘Whatever it takes.’”

Cooper Parry Corporate Finance and Gateley advised on the deal.

The Cooper Parry team was led by Ben Rookes and Sabial Hanif. Rookes, corporate finance partner, said “This has been another fantastic team effort and we’re absolutely delighted for Digraph and their customers. Cooper Parry has worked with Digraph for over 40 years and we wish them every success with the next stage of their exciting growth plans”.

The team at Gateley was led by Mark Rutherford, a partner in the Nottingham corporate team. He said: “We are thrilled to have been part of this deal. This investment has given the team at Digraph a huge opportunity to build upon an already successful business. Combined with the drive and determination of the management team, I have no doubt that Digraph’s ambitious expansion plans will be realised.”

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