Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Inchcape to exit UK retail and return £100m to shareholders

(Sharecast News) - Shares in Inchcape raced ahead on Monday after the automotive distributor announced the disposal of its UK Retail operations to Group 1 Automotive UK for £346m. The deal, which does not need approval from Inchcap's shareholders, is part of the company's strategy to focus on being a "higher margin, capital-light, cash generative, diversified, scalable and global distribution business", the company said in a statement.

UK Retail generated just over £2bn in sales for Inchcape in 2023, equal to 18% of group revenues, but the strategic importance of the operations "has become limited", according to chief executive Duncan Tait.

After the completion of the disposal, expected to happen in the third quarter, Inchcape will then hand £100m back to shareholders by way of a share repurchase over the following 12 months. The rest of the money will be used to fund future growth.

"As we continue to deliver on our strategic ambition of becoming the leading global distribution partner to our OEM partners worldwide, this transaction represents a significant step along that journey," said Tait.

"Our UK Retail business is a high-quality business, with an experienced and high-performing management team, and has been an important part of the group's growth."

Shares were up nearly 4% at 725.5p by 0834 BST.

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Germany's FTI Group files for insolvency as bookings slump
(Sharecast News) - Europe's third-largest tour operator FTI Group said it had filed for insolvency in the Munich regional court today, as it suffered from falling bookings.
Shore Capital downgrades Auto Trader to 'sell'
(Sharecast News) - Shore Capital has cut its recommendation for online car marketplace Auto Trader from 'hold' to 'sell', saying the stock's valuation is now stretched following a decent run in recent months.
Frasers appoints former FRC, HMRC CEO Jon Thompson as non-exec
(Sharecast News) - Mike Ashley's Frasers Group said on Monday that it has appointed Sir Jon Thompson, former chief executive officer of the Financial Reporting Council, as a non-executive director.
Moody's lifts 2024 China growth forecast
(Sharecast News) - Moody's lifted its 2024 growth forecast for China on Monday to 4.5% from 4% as it pointed out that first-quarter growth was boosted by trade and manufacturing activity.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.