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KAR Global Completes Acquisition of CARWAVE

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KAR Global (NYSE: KAR) has acquired CARWAVE Holdings LLC for $450 million in cash, enhancing its dealer-to-dealer segment. The acquisition strengthens KAR's market position and profitability while integrating CARWAVE's digital platform, which serves dealers across California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas. This strategic move aims to leverage synergies with existing platforms like ADESA and BacklotCars, providing dealers with improved access to inventory and services. Key CARWAVE leaders will remain post-acquisition, ensuring continuity in product offerings.

Positive
  • Acquisition of CARWAVE for $450 million enhances dealer-to-dealer segment.
  • Strengthens profitability and market position in the used vehicle marketplace.
  • Integration with existing platforms like ADESA and BacklotCars improves service offerings.
Negative
  • None.

CARMEL, Ind., Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KAR Auction Services, Inc., d/b/a/ KAR Global (NYSE: KAR), a leading operator of digital marketplaces for wholesale used vehicles, has completed the acquisition of CARWAVE Holdings LLC ("CARWAVE") for $450 million in cash. The acquisition builds on KAR's fast growth in the dealer-to-dealer segment, accelerates profitability, positions the company to achieve its long-term goals and enhances the company's differentiated combination of digital marketplaces and physical network. 

"This acquisition adds a leading digital platform on the West Coast to our dealer-to-dealer segment—solidifying our competitive position and improving profitability across our dealer-to-dealer offerings," said Peter Kelly, CEO of KAR Global. "With the addition of CARWAVE to our successful digital marketplaces—including ADESA and BacklotCars—as well as our broad network of vehicle logistics centers, we are able to meet the needs of dealers in any market at any time."

CARWAVE was founded in 2009 in California and currently serves a broad network of franchise and independent dealers across California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon and Texas. The online platform enables dealers to conveniently wholesale trade-ins and aged frontline units directly from their lot and quickly source new inventory from anywhere.  

"We're excited to leverage the capabilities of KAR, ADESA and BacklotCars to bring even better outcomes to our customers, building on what our customers love while realizing the full power of the KAR ecosystem," said John Lauer, president of CARWAVE. "With the combination of our networks and dedication to superior customer service and outcomes, our trusted dealers are the real winners here—they'll have expanded access to the top low-cost, low-stress and hassle-free used vehicle digital marketplaces."

Key CARWAVE leadership, including co-founders John Lauer and Bill Lauer, will remain with the company. Though the companies have started actively integrating, there are no immediate changes to either company's product offerings, pricing or customer agreements.

Media Inquiries:

Analyst Inquiries:

Jill Trudeau

Mike Eliason

(317) 796-0945

(317) 249-4559

jill.trudeau@karglobal.com 

mike.eliason@karglobal.com

About KAR
KAR Auction Services, Inc. d/b/a KAR Global (NYSE: KAR), provides sellers and buyers across the global wholesale used vehicle industry with innovative, technology-driven remarketing solutions. KAR Global's unique end-to-end platform supports whole car, financing, logistics and other ancillary and related services, including the sale of nearly 3.1 million units valued at over $40 billion through our auctions in 2020. Our integrated physical, online and mobile marketplaces reduce risk, improve transparency and streamline transactions for customers in about 75 countries. Headquartered in Carmel, Indiana, KAR Global has employees across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Uruguay, United Kingdom and Europe. For more information and the latest KAR Global news, go to www.karglobal.com and follow us on Twitter @KARspeaks.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions thereof. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and we caution you not to place undue reliance on such statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by the use of the words "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "intend," "project," "continue," or the negative of these words, or other similar words or terms.

Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking statements made by us. Factors and risks to our business that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements are described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, potential risks and uncertainties relating to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

 

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SOURCE KAR Global

FAQ

What is the significance of KAR's acquisition of CARWAVE?

The acquisition strengthens KAR Global's dealer-to-dealer segment and enhances profitability.

How much did KAR pay for CARWAVE?

KAR acquired CARWAVE for $450 million in cash.

What markets does CARWAVE serve?

CARWAVE serves franchise and independent dealers in California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Texas.

Will there be any changes to CARWAVE's services after the acquisition?

There are no immediate changes to CARWAVE's product offerings, pricing, or agreements.

Who will stay with CARWAVE following the acquisition?

Key leadership, including co-founders John and Bill Lauer, will remain with CARWAVE.

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