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Bowmark Capital, the mid-market private equity firm, and Five Arrows Principal Investments, the private equity fund of the Rothschild Group, have acquired Autodata Publishing Group, Europe’s leading provider of technical information to the automotive aftermarket, for an enterprise value of £143 million.

Autodata publishes technical information on 17,000 vehicle models from 80 manufacturers. Its products provide over 80,000 professional workshops with access to a comprehensive suite of up-to-date technical data and guidance on cars, light commercial vehicles and motorcycles, enabling them to carry out service, repair and diagnostic work.

With its strong product range, and the high quality, breadth and accuracy of its data, Autodata has established itself as the leading supplier of essential technical information to the professional automotive aftermarket in Europe. The company is well-positioned for future growth, driven by the continued enhancement of its content and information systems, increased penetration of new territories in both Europe and beyond, and further expansion into diagnostic applications.

Liberty Corporate Finance advised the management team led by Rod Williams, Debra Barr and Mark Trepte, leading negotiations on management equity terms in the latter stages of a competitive auction process.

Rod Williams, Autodata’s Chief Executive, commented: 

"We are delighted to have completed this transaction, and look forward to continuing Autodata’s strong record of growth by further expanding our product range and geographic footprint - both organically and by acquisition - with the support and financial backing of Bowmark and Five Arrows. Throughout the process Liberty not only led the negotiations in a highly effective manner on behalf of the management team, but also provided an additional independent perspective on the parties involved, in what was a highly competitive process."

Michael McDonagh added: 

"Autodata has an outstanding reputation in its marketplace. We are delighted to have worked with Rod and his team in agreeing equity terms with their investors at Bowmark and Five Arrows and wish them continued success in the delivery of the clear growth strategy they have for the business."