Hella Gutmann and SAG look to intensify collaboration

Ihringen/Cham (Switzerland), March 5, 2019. Diagnostics specialist Hella Gutmann Solutions and Swiss Automotive Group (SAG), one of the largest providers in the independent automotive spare parts sector in Europe, market leader in Switzerland and in a strong position in Austria, intend to intensify their cooperation. Both companies have now signed a corresponding agreement.

It is planned that SAG will take over the distribution of workshop and diagnostic equipment as well as the services of Hella Gutmann Solutions in Austria and Switzerland. At the same time, the Swiss subsidiary of Hella Gutmann and the associated commercial unit in Austria with a total of eleven employees are to be transferred to the SAG Group. The transaction remains subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities. The release is expected to be completed at the beginning of May this year.

"By strengthening the distribution of workshop and diagnostic products from Hella Gutmann, we can further expand our leading market position in Austria and Switzerland," says Sandro Piffaretti, Delegate of the Board of Directors at SAG. "This enables us to offer our customers additional added value by offering the range of services from a single source and expanding our service to include new training courses and technical support."

Dr. Andreas Habeck, responsible for the independent aftermarket and workshop business at international automotive supplier HELLA, adds: "The workshop and diagnostics business is of great strategic importance for the HELLA aftermarket. We are therefore pleased to have SAG at our side as a strong partner for our business activities in Austria and Switzerland. The new structure will allow us to significantly improve our market access and open up additional growth opportunities."