LKQ Belgium Expands Presence with Acquisition of Autoparts B&V

In a significant move to bolster its position in the Belgian automotive aftermarket, LKQ Belgium successfully concluded the acquisition of Autoparts B&V. This strategic venture marks a crucial step forward for LKQ, enhancing its footprint in Belgium and reinforcing its commitment to invest and grow in the region.

A series of acquisitions

In 2017, LKQ Belgium started a process of forward integration with a series of acquisitions of various wholesalers in Belgium: De Jonghe Autoparts, Henrard, Prosec, Sergoyne, Auto Sport Willy, Autostop, Dezutter, DCM tools, Abbiusi, De Bruyn coatings, alfa-paints, De Maesschalck, and Tubize Parts Service.

With the recent inclusion of Autoparts B&V, LKQ Belgium now boasts a network of 22 wholesale locations spread across Belgium, solidifying its nationwide coverage. This expansion showcases LKQ’s dedication to strengthening its presence in both Flanders and Wallonia.

Pivotal addition

The newly acquired Autoparts B&V facility in Bekkevoort emerges as a pivotal addition, not only fortifying LKQ’s regional standing but also presenting enticing growth prospects for the company. This acquisition brings the tally of LKQ’s proprietary branches in Belgium to 22, with a balanced distribution of 14 locations in Flanders and 8 in Wallonia, providing extensive and robust national coverage.

Autoparts B&V, established in 1983, has evolved into a key distributor in the Belgian automotive aftermarket, serving customers in Vlaams-Brabant, Antwerp, and Limburg. The company has played a pioneering role in supporting independent garages in Belgium and has become a trusted partner for over 30 Bosch concept garages.

Alex Gelbcke, CEO of LKQ Benelux-France, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “This acquisition reaffirms our commitment to continue investing in Belgium. With this strategic move, we strengthen our market position and expand our service capabilities, enabling us to grow further and better serve our customers.”

David Colantonio, Division Director of LKQ Belgium, added, “The integration of Autoparts B&V into LKQ Belgium will result in improved operational efficiency and service, with a focus on knowledge and quality.”

Martin Simons and Jean Vanbrusselt, managing directors at Autoparts B&V, are confident that LKQ Belgium is the right partner for the future. They emphasized, “In a rapidly evolving market, choosing to scale up is essential to ensure the company’s future. Given the decades-long relationship with LKQ, this is the best choice to provide our customers with an even better and more extensive service.”

American Origins

LKQ Corporation, the parent company of LKQ Belgium, originated in the United States in 1998 and entered the European market in 2011 with the acquisition of Euro Car Parts in the United Kingdom. LKQ Europe, consisting of various subsidiaries including Atracco Group, Auto Kelly, Elit, Euro Car Parts, Láng, Rhiag Group, Sator Holding, Simimpex, and Stahlgruber, now stands as the largest automotive aftersales company in Europe.

Belgium market leader

Operating in 21 European countries, LKQ Europe serves over 700,000 independent wholesale customers with a workforce of more than 27,000 employees offering a diverse product range exceeding 840,000 items. The acquisition of Autoparts B&V adds to LKQ’s impressive series of strategic expansions in Belgium, making it the foremost distributor of products and services in the Belgian automotive aftermarket with an annual turnover of approximately 100 million euros.