Uni-Select Acquires Replacement Parts Depot Limited

Uni-Select has agreed to purchase the Replacement Parts Depot Limited, a regional automotive aftermarket distributor located in Toronto, Ont.
Replacement Parts Depot Limited (RPDL) celebrated its 40th anniversary this year and serves 22 wholesaler-retailer shareholders as well as a number of independent businesses that had affiliations with other distribution groups, including Uni-Select.
Uni-Select has stated that it will enter into long-term supply agreements with the RPDL members. The acquired business will become part of Uni-Select’s Automotive Group Canada and is expected to add annual sales of $25 million CDN.
“We have looked at a number of opportunities to increase the presence of Uni-Select in the important Greater Toronto Area. RPDL is the opportunity that will best achieve this goal. Both organizations are very similar in their structure and this will facilitate the integration of employees and customers,” says Jacques Landreville, president and chief executive officer of Uni-Select Inc.
“RPDL has known and respected Uni-Select as a competitor for a number of years. We have found the right partner as Uni-Select’s culture and business model are similar to ours. This transaction is exciting news for our customers and employees. It will allow us to continue growing in this challenging industry,” says Rob Addie, president of Replacement Parts Depot.
RPDL shareholders have approved the sale of the assets to Uni-Select. The closing of the transaction is contingent upon the completion of the due diligence review of RPDL by Uni-Select and customary closing conditions; it is expected to be completed on January 3, 2008.
Uni-Select is Canada’s second largest distributor of automotive replacement parts, equipment, tools and accessories and through Uni-Select USA, Inc.; the company also provides service to customers in the United States where it is the 8th largest distributor.