Optimus Group Co. Ltd., a publicly listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (9268), has entered into agreements to acquire Autopact Pty Ltd, one of Australia's largest privately owned automotive dealership groups.

Optimus Group Co. Ltd is a global automotive business headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Autopact operates 28 dealerships, representing 35 brands in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. It services the volume, premium, luxury and commercial vehicle segments within the Australian Automotive industry.

Entering into agreements for the acquisition of Autopact allows Optimus Group to accelerate its strategy of growth within the Australian automotive landscape and will position the company to support its OEM partners in expanding, especially with the growth in the EV segment.

Once completed, this agreement represents the expansion of the company’s footprint in the Australian market and aligns with the group’s global strategic direction. Currently Optimus Group has automotive investments in Australia covering automotive data, automotive logistics and automotive retailing.

“Optimus Group has a global business model in the automotive sector, with operations spread across Japan, New Zealand and Australia offering a full complement of end-to-end automotive solutions” says Nobuya Yamanaka, Optimus Group Co Ltd President. “Our planned acquisition of the Autopact business will provide the opportunity to expand our route to market into Australia in line with the growth ambitions and strategic direction of the group.”

The agreement will allow for the selldown by the current owners, including controlling shareholder Archer Capital. Garry Crick will continue as Chairman and shareholder of Autopact.

Autopact’s CEO, James Welch said “Autopact has been a success story of growth since its inception, growing to become one of Australia’s largest dealership groups. I’d like to thank the Founders Garry Crick and John Eastham as well as Archer Capital who have been pivotal in the growth of the business over the last eight years. The sale of Autopact is one of the final remaining investments within Archer Capital’s Fund 5.”

“I look forward to welcoming the Optimus Group alongside our Chairman Garry Crick as Autopact continues its growth trajectory.”