Penske Automotive to expand presence in Australia

by Kimberley Ruddock on 16 Sep 2014 Penske Automotive Group, Inc. (NYSE:PAG), an international transportation services company, announced today that it has signed an agreement to acquire MTU Detroit Diesel Australia ('MTU-DDA'), a leading distributor of the world’s finest diesel and gas engines and power systems, operating across the on- and off-highway markets in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific – including trucking, mining, power generation, construction, industrial, rail, marine, agriculture, oil and gas and defense.

The acquisition of MTU-DDA from the company’s two primary distribution partners, Daimler AG and MTU Friedrichshafen (an affiliate of Rolls-Royce Power Systems) will bring added scale and complement Penske’s existing Commercial Vehicle business ('PCV') operating in these markets. MTU-DDA provides full parts and aftersales service support through a network of branches, field locations, and dealers across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Coupled with PCV’s existing heavy and medium-duty truck, bus and spare parts distribution, upon completion of the transaction the company will be able to provide a full range of products and services to customers across these regions.

Roger S. Penske, Chairman of Penske Automotive Group said, 'MTU Detroit Diesel Australia represents some of the most innovative and well-respected brands in the industry, including MTU, Detroit Diesel, Mercedes-Benz Industrial, Allison Transmission and MTU Onsite Energy. As we considered opportunities to grow and enhance our business in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, coupling engine and power systems with our existing Western Star, MAN Truck and Bus and Dennis Eagle truck distribution business provided an opportunity to scale our existing operations in an efficient manner.'

MTU-DDA will continue to be a strategic distributor of Rolls-Royce Power Systems and Daimler in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. The off-highway business comprises MTU high-speed engines, power and propulsion systems, as well as MTU Onsite Energy distributed energy system solutions.

Rolls-Royce Power Systems Chief Sales Officer, Dr. Michael Haidinger said, 'Through our strategic partnership with MTU-DDA and Penske, our regional customers will be offered a world-class system and sales experience reinforcing our presence in these important markets with a trusted, experienced and world-class distribution partner.'

Upon closing of the transaction, MTU-DDA is expected to contribute an estimated $225 - $250 million in annualized revenue to Penske Automotive Group. The transaction is subject to customary closing deliveries and is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2014.