The Ahluwalia family, renowned investors behind Euro Car Parts (ECP), the UK’s largest distributor of replacement parts for cars and vans, have expanded their portfolio with the acquisition of Eastwood, Nottingham-based Digraph Transport Supplies. This strategic move signals a significant development for the automotive aftermarket in the Nottingham area and across the UK.
Alongside Euro Car Parts and James Rawson, who will continue as managing director, the Ahluwalia family’s property company, Dominvs Group, has invested in Digraph. This acquisition positions Digraph to amplify its reach and service capabilities within the heavy truck and trailer parts sector.
Sukhpal Ahluwalia stated, “Digraph is already a frontrunner among independent suppliers in the substantial heavy truck and trailer parts aftermarket. Building on their existing network of 14 branches, which deliver exceptional customer service, our objective is to extend this renowned service nationwide. We aim to achieve this by offering a broader and more comprehensive product range throughout the UK.” This vision highlights the ambition to leverage the existing strengths of Digraph and Euro Car Parts to create a powerhouse in vehicle parts distribution, potentially impacting the automotive landscape in Nottingham and beyond.
James Rawson expressed enthusiasm about the future prospects: “This is excellent news for Digraph and our valued customers. This investment will provide Digraph with the necessary resources to facilitate business growth and execute our expansion strategy. We anticipate close collaboration with ECP to further enhance customer service levels. I am excited to collaborate with Sukhpal and embrace the challenge of extending Digraph’s services to customers throughout the UK.” The synergy between Digraph and Euro Car Parts, particularly in the Nottingham region where both have a presence, suggests a strengthened offering for customers seeking automotive parts.
Digraph, established in 1976 by Peter Rawson and later joined by his son James, has built a strong regional presence with 14 branches across the UK, including locations in Derby, Gainsborough, Leicester, Burton, Newark, and notably, Nottingham. The company’s financial performance demonstrates a solid foundation, with recent accounts indicating a profit of £1.27m on a turnover of £22.2m for the year ending December 31, 2015, while employing 155 people. This established infrastructure, particularly its Nottingham base, is strategically important for Euro Car Parts’ broader network.
Sukhpal Ahluwalia further commented, “I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to work alongside James Rawson and the talented and experienced Digraph team, all of whom will remain with the company. I am especially pleased that Digraph’s founder and outgoing Chairman, Peter Rawson, has agreed to stay on in an advisory capacity, offering his invaluable expertise. Peter is a respected figure in the motor trade and embodies Digraph’s ‘Whatever it takes’ ethos.” This continuity in leadership combined with the backing of Euro Car Parts promises a stable yet growth-oriented future for Digraph and its operations in Nottingham.
Cooper Parry Corporate Finance and Gateley provided advisory services for this significant deal. Ben Rookes and Sabial Hanif led the Cooper Parry team. Rookes, corporate finance partner, commented, “This transaction represents another successful team effort, and we are delighted for Digraph and their customers. Cooper Parry has a long-standing relationship with Digraph spanning over 40 years, and we wish them continued success in the next phase of their ambitious growth plans.”
Mark Rutherford, a partner in the Nottingham corporate team at Gateley, led their team and added, “We are delighted to have played a role in this deal. This investment provides the Digraph team with a substantial opportunity to build upon their already thriving business. Combined with the management team’s drive and determination, I am confident that Digraph’s ambitious expansion plans will be fully realized.” The involvement of Nottingham-based advisors underscores the regional significance of this acquisition within the local business community, further linking Euro Car Parts and Digraph to Nottingham.
This acquisition signals a period of growth and expansion for Digraph Transport Supplies, fueled by the investment from the family behind Euro Car Parts. The strategic alignment and shared vision point towards an enhanced service offering and wider reach across the UK, strengthening the position of both Digraph and Euro Car Parts within the automotive parts market, with Nottingham playing a key role in this evolving landscape.
