Andrew Page has announced that it is entering a partnership with the Unipart Group, on the same day it left the Parts Alliance.
The new arrangement will see AP work collaboratively with Unipart Autoparts and Unipart Logistics on parts supply, combined buying activities and system developments.
Jim Sumner, Chairman of Andrew Page, said that the partnership comes at a great time for AP as the plans align to rapidly grow our national branch network, develop online sales and expand into new sectors.
“This is a ground-breaking development for Andrew Page,” he added. “Our two businesses complement each other perfectly and there are so many exciting aspects to this collaboration.
“Importantly it is grounded in a strong cultural alignment between our teams which I am confident will make for an enduring business relationship.”
John Neill, Chairman of the Unipart Group, said: “We’re very pleased to see this important collaboration growing strongly. The Unipart brand continues to be in great demand by Britain’s car owners, Unipart Car Care Centres and the Express Factor network.
“This strategic alliance with Andrew Page will provide opportunities for further investment in Unipart products and systems like Unipart KIS, which has been called the best garage management system in the industry.”
Andrew Page has also said it will expand its network by another 50 branches, with a proportion expected to be franchised.
Sumner added that due to this impending deal and strategy with the Unipart Group meant there was a conflict with the aims of the Parts Alliance.
“Given these plans and the resulting strategic conflicts, we have made the decision to exit the Parts Alliance. However, we will continue to work with the Parts Alliance where we have joint agreements with national accounts customers.”
Who are Unipart Autoparts? Is this a replacement for Unipart Automotive?
looks to me like desperate action between one failed auto parts company and another that is clearly failing. When will the UK aftermarket shape and stop propping up businesses that cannot pay their way?
Suppliers must take the lead and only offer credit to businesses that are in a position to obtain credit insurance.
Blind leading the blind. Both badly run, No stock and ideas way above their station.
Watch the bigger beast fail.
The UKPA can only wonder how much of the partnership with Pages was to satisfy Sumners ridiculous ego?