Daimler Financial Services announced today a strategic investment into the growth of their fleet management and signed an agreement to purchase Athlon Car Lease International B.V. for the amount of € 1.1 billion from the Dutch De Lage Landen group, a subsidiary of Rabobank. The future business of the consolidated fleet operations between Daimler Fleet Management and Athlon will operate under the Athlon brand. As a result of this strategic acquisition, Daimler Financial Services strengthens its foothold in Europe with a fleet management portfolio of approximately 340,000 passenger cars and vans.
”Fleet management is a growth market and this acquisition of a strongly positioned and innovative fleet management company is a key step for us in becoming a leading fleet management services provider. It also allows us to enhance fleets with Daimler’s products and mobility offers”, stated Bodo Uebber, Board of Management member of Daimler AG responsible for Finance and Controlling and Financial Services.
”Today, fleet customers do expect a flexible management of their mobility needs across brands around their fleets. Rental, leasing, corporate carsharing and comprehensive reporting are key elements of our fleet management value proposition”, stated Klaus Entenmann, Chairman of Daimler Financial Services AG.
CEO Frans Janssen of Athlon International, stated: „The merging of Athlon and Daimler, two strong innovative brands, will positively contribute to our customers’ ability to access an extended product and service range across Europe.” Bill Stephenson, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of DLL, the holding company of Athlon, stated: “We have found a shareholder in Daimler Financial Services that possesses the aspiration and drive to fuel Athlon’s future growth and success.”
Closing the purchase is subject to all required approvals and consents being obtained from the necessary regulatory authorities and other relevant bodies, and is expected in the fourth calendar quarter of 2016 at which time further details will be provided.
