DC Advisory advises the shareholders of TiAuto on its sale to Marubeni Corporation
Background
- TiAuto, backed by Carlyle and Old Mutual Private Equity (OMPE), is a leading player in the automotive aftermarket sector in South Africa with more than 160 retail outlets across five countries
- OMPE, part of Old Mutual Alternative Investments, is one of the largest and established private equity managers in South Africa and Africa
- Carlyle is a global investment firm with $475 bn of assets under management (as of March 2026)
- Marubeni Corporation is a Tokyo-based trading and investment conglomerate, with total revenues of more than $50 bn (as of March 2026)
- Marubeni operates across diverse sectors, leveraging its global platform to drive trading, strategic investment, and resource development
Process
- DC Advisory acted as exclusive financial advisor to TiAuto’s shareholders on the transaction
- DC Advisory ran a bespoke process, leveraging its sector expertise and senior relationships to engage a competitive group of strategic and financial investors
- DC Advisory worked closely with TiAuto’s shareholders and management team to provide comprehensive M&A advice and hands-on support across process strategy, negotiations and transaction documentation
Outcome
- On 10 June 2026, it was announced that TiAuto’s shareholders entered into an agreement to sell TiAuto to Marubeni
- The closing of this transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals
- Financial terms were not disclosed
- This transaction marks Marubeni's most significant investment into South Africa and reflects the quality of TiAuto’s management, as well as the strength and international appeal of local enterprises
- This transaction extends DC Advisory’s significant track record in the automotive aftermarket sector and reaffirms its strong connections in the African market
"I am extremely grateful for the comprehensive and professional support provided by the DC Advisory team from start to finish. As a South Africa based management team, we knew we could count on DC Advisory to deliver on all fronts given the deep experience that DC has built over many years with complete global coverage. We were in capable hands every step of the way.”
“We are very pleased to have assisted TiAuto’s shareholders and management team in this sale process. We wish Alex, the team, and Marubeni all the very best in the next stage of the company’s exciting growth phase. This transaction further demonstrates DC Advisory’s expertise in the automotive aftermarket sector globally, a space which should see further consolidation in the coming years.”
“Selling a Western private equity-owned asset to an Asian strategic buyer is a discipline of its own, and one of DC Advisory’s distinctive strengths. The best outcome often lies beyond the obvious buyer universe, and Marubeni proved exactly that. As one of Japan’s leading trading houses, with deep reach across the automotive value chain from OEM to aftermarket distribution and a proven playbook in Asia, Marubeni was the natural strategic home for TiAuto and the ideal partner for its next chapter in Africa.”
“It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work with Carlyle, Old Mutual Private Equity and the TiAuto team on this landmark transaction. I wish Alex and the team continued success as they accelerate TiAuto’s journey to become one of Africa’s leading automotive aftermarket players under Marubeni’s ownership.”
- Industrials
- Asia Access
- M&A Advisory
Disclaimer
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