Andrew Page has filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators at Manchester High Court

http://www.catmag.co.uk/andrew-page-files-notice-of-intent-to-appoint-administrators

UKAT

Andrew Page today announces its sale to LKQ Corporation (LKQ) in a strategic acquisition by the US buyer

UKAT

Press release from LKQ Corporation on the purchase of Andrew Page

http://bit.ly/2cZYT0T

UKAT

Not to sure if that is a good thing for the trade to be honest.

Andrew Page's official response:

Dear Customer

I am writing to you with exciting news about the future of Andrew Page. You might have heard rumours and gossip about us recently, so I think it is important that you hear the truth directly from us.

We have been acquired by the LKQ Corpora tion. They are one of the giants of the automotive aftermarket, having grown from their roots of an American collision parts business to become a global player in alternative and speciality parts, body panels, paint and coatings, and even automotive glass. LKQ owns some of the biggest parts distributors in Europe, including Sator in Holland, and Rhiag in Italy, which also has operations in ten more European countries. Of course LKQ also has a leading position here in the UK, as they are the parent company of Euro Car Parts.

Andrew Page is in its 99th year, a tremendous achievement for any business, and we are obviously thinking about our centenary and beyond. One of the most important ingredients in our long and continued success has been our unwavering commitment to stock the right products, and give the right service, to help our customers' businesses thrive. I can assure you that Andrew Page is not about to be merged with another company, nor will i t turn into a copy of anyone. I am impressed and excited with the vision that LKQ have for Andrew Page, using their global scale and resources to help us become stronger, and an even better partner for you. Above all else, I can see how LKQ can help support Andrew Page's people to deliver our promises to you, giving you a real choice in this crowded market. My management team and I are looking forward to celebrating the 100th year of Andrew Page with you.

In short, the gossip about the future of Andrew Page couldn't be further from the truth. We have a bright, exciting future, backed by one of the largest and most capable players in the global automotive aftermarket. With their help, and with the know-how of our people, we plan to be around for the next 99 years, doing what we've always done – serving our customers.

I thank you for your continued loyalty to us, and I look forward to developing our businesses together in future.

They should have put a 'PS' on the end
PS.-presently on the stop at Bosch so can't supply any Bosch orders!.

Thanks Ed

Probably why I got a call back from AP yesterday to say the Bosch plugs I ordered with a service kit were not available / they could not supply

Over the last few days I have had a call from Vauxhall Trade Club with special offers on service kits, discs and pads and engine oil (think the oil may have been free with the service kit)

TPS rep called in with offers on service kits, had a set of discs and pads with him to show me the quality, deals on engine oil

Nissan rep called in as well with offers on service kits plus FREE oil with kit, deals on discs and pads. He also told me that if I buy my Nissan parts from them they will also help out with tech info if I have a problem ie: Let me speak to one of their technicians FOC

Think the Trade Clubs are out to scoop up some business and win over customers

Over the next few years looks like our choice of Motor Factors may start to diminish as a lot of Independents like me will disappear (retire) or sell up as it's to much hassle, cars become more electrified and reliable

Are Trade Clubs the way to go, especially if they can offer a bit of tech support for your loyalty

Peter

"As cars become more reliable"???

Come and work at a VAG specialists Peter, we'll show you where the future lies.

I wouldn't trust VAG to make a reliable Yo-Yo these days.