CarTrawler linked to Auto Europe buyout to fuel global ambitions

CarTrawler linked to Auto Europe buyout to fuel global ambitions

CarTrawler’s global ambitions look set to be given a boost with the acquisition of US rival Auto Europe, according to reports.

CarTrawler’s global ambitions look set to be given a boost with the acquisition of US rival Auto Europe, according to reports.

Sky News claims to have inside information that the deal, for an unknown sum, is due to be announced this week.

It says the deal would give Dublin-based Car Trawler access to the US market, with Auto Europe’s core audience being US travellers who holiday overseas.

Car Trawler was sold in March last year by ECI Partners to another venture capitalist investor BC Partners, in a deal that valued the firm at £350 million.

BC Partners has spoken of its intention to grow CarTrawler globally.

CarTrawler powers the vehicle rental service of many household names and operates the Holiday Autos brand to consumers after buying it from Travelocity in 2013.

Sky News said BC Partners had refused to confirm the buyout.