OLX Group, the classifieds platform group owned by B2W Digital and backed by Advent International, agreed to acquire French automotive marketplace La Centrale for €1.3 billion ($1.3bn). The deal is expected to close by year-end 2025 after going through an employee consultation process.
| Acquirer | OLX Group (Netherlands) |
|---|---|
| Target | La Centrale (France) |
| Value | €1.3 billion ($1.3bn) |
| Type | Acquisition |
| Date Announced/Closed | 2025-09-26 / 2025-09-26 |
| Advisors | BofA Securities, A&O Shearman (buy-side); Goldman Sachs (sell-side) |
| Legal Advisors | Kirkland & Ellis (sell-side); Not disclosed (buy-side) |
Deal Mechanics
The deal will see OLX Group take over the operations of La Centrale, which operates as a digital marketplace connecting buyers and sellers for used vehicles. The transaction is structured to facilitate an easy integration with minimal disruption.
Strategic Rationale
OLX Group aims to leverage this acquisition to bolster its position within Europe's rapidly growing auto classifieds market. La Centrale’s robust user base and advanced technology platform align well with OLX Group’s strategic vision of building a comprehensive regional classifieds ecosystem.
Financial Context
The deal comes at a time when OLX Group is scaling its operations in the European market, aiming to compete with established players such as AutoScout24 and eBay Motors. The acquisition of La Centrale represents a significant strategic move that enhances OLX's competitive edge in the high-demand automotive classifieds space.
Advisors
BofA Securities served as financial advisor to OLX Group, while A&O Shearman provided legal counsel on the buy-side. Goldman Sachs acted as the exclusive financial advisor for La Centrale’s parent company Providence Equity Partners, with Kirkland & Ellis handling legal matters.
Outlook
With the acquisition set to close by year-end 2025, OLX Group is poised to integrate La Centrale's technology and user base into its platform. This move is anticipated to drive significant growth in the company’s European auto classifieds segment.