We have advised longstanding client Inflexion, Automotive Transformation Group (ATG) and its management team on the sale of ATG to Keyloop, a leading global automotive technology company.
ATG is an innovative provider of automotive technology focused on omnichannel retail solutions. Its technology offering is chosen by automotive retailers, OEMs, financiers and fleet suppliers in more than 80 countries and at over 10,000 retail locations to help make the car buying experience easier. ATG’s 330 employees serve many large, multinational customers including Mercedes Benz, Jaguar Land Rover, Ford Credit, Marshall Group and Jardine Motors.
Inflexion invested in Autofutura initially in 2019 and subsequently completed a transformational merger with GForces in 2020, followed by the acquisitions of Chrysalis and Salesmaster in 2021. Taylor Wessing acted as legal advisor to Inflexion and ATG for the further investments and acquisitions.
The enlarged group rebranded as ATG and rolled out its technology internationally to deliver the first truly omnichannel retail solution for the automotive industry.
Commenting on the transaction, private equity partner Jonny Bethell said: "It has been a real pleasure to help Inflexion and ATG on this fantastic journey over the last five years."
Tom Pemberton, partner at Inflexion, added: "We are tremendously proud of helping build ATG into the innovative and successful company it is today. Taylor Wessing have been a great partner on this investment – they again displayed their commercially astute judgment and advice, informed by their understanding of the market and reading of the factors in play."
Tim Smith, Chief Executive at ATG, commented: "The investment from Inflexion has allowed us to scale faster through M&A and expand the range of products and services offered to our customer base. Thanks you to Jonny and the Taylor Wessing team for the tireless and superb work in delivering this transaction.”
The transaction was led by partner Jonny Bethell with support from senior associate Sarah Wallace, associate Alexander Stones and trainee Evie Mason in the private equity team.
Further support was provided by:
Banking
Partner Martin Yells, senior associate Kate Bowden and associate Kat Everington.
Competition
Partner Paolo Palmigiano and senior counsel Louisa Penny.
Tax
Partner Liz Wilson and associate Freddie Knottenbelt.
