The LKQ Corporation, which owns LKQ Euro Car Parts, LKQ Bodyshop and Arleigh Group, has acquired Digraph, the independent aftermarket commercial parts distributor specialising in HGV, coach and bus parts.
LKQ made an initial investment in Digraph in 2017, before the full takeover was announced this week. Now Digraph will be integrated into the enlarged LKQ UK & Ireland group, providing it with significantly enhanced buying power and the support of its combined financial strength, with new investments planned in its people and systems.
Despite this, the business will continue to operate as a separate legal entity under the Digraph brand, it has confirmed. There will also be no changes to its branch network.
However, James Rawson, Digraph’s CEO, will stand-down from the business on completion of the deal. Andy Southby, currently managing director of the LKQ Bodyshop division in the UK and Ireland, will also assume responsibility of managing director of Digraph.
Andy Hamilton, CEO, LKQ UK and Ireland Group, said: “This deal marks the culmination of a five-year strategic partnership with Digraph, which will ensure a smooth transition into the LKQ UK & Ireland family.
“Digraph’s expertise in heavy commercial vehicles, particularly that of its dedicated team of specialists based across its branch network, and its outstanding parts availability and delivery service gives our enlarged group unparalleled, quality coverage.
“We’re excited about how we can now work together to accelerate Digraph’s potential as we continue to strengthen and deepen LKQ UK & Ireland’s scale and capabilities.”
James Rawson added: “LKQ has been an instrumental partner to our growth and success since 2017 and I know Digraph has a bright future as part of the group.
“I’m proud of every single one of our team and the role they have played in helping build Digraph into the largest independent commercial vehicle aftermarket parts distributor in the UK. Now it’s time for an exciting new chapter for the business with the power of the LKQ UK & Ireland group behind it.”
Digraph was founded in 1976 from a single Portakabin in West Hallam, Derbyshire, and today it operates 21 branches across the UK, making 300,000 deliveries annually to more than 4,000 customers.
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