ACM clears acquisition of car dealer Severs Breeman’s locations by rival Dusseldorp

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has cleared the acquisition of two Rotterdam locations of car dealer Severs Breeman Automotive by rival car dealer Dusseldorp Automotive. An ACM investigation has shown that the acquisition will not have any negative effects on competition since car owners will continue to have sufficient options after this acquisition.

Dusseldorp and Severs Breeman are both brand dealers of the BMW group. They sell passenger cars and car parts of the car brands BMW and MINI. Both Dusseldorp and Severs Breeman also provide maintenance and repair services for these brands.

Considering the current consolidation in the car dealer sector, ACM has carried out an extensive investigation into the consequences of this acquisition. In its investigation, ACM focused mostly on maintenance and repair services for passenger cars and the sale of original car parts of BMW and MINI.

On the basis of its investigation, ACM has concluded that this acquisition will not have any negative effects for car owners and other auto repair shops that compete with these two car dealers. In the greater Rotterdam area, sufficient other auto repair shops will remain active for car owners to go to for maintenance and repair services for their BMWs or MINIs. These auto repair shops include different types of car companies such as a different brand dealer, independent brand specialists, and independent auto repair shops for multiple brands that provide maintenance and repair services for cars, including BMW and MINI.

Acquisition of three locations of Severs Breeman by Van Poelgeest has been cleared

ACM has also cleared the acquisition of three Severs Breeman locations in the western Dutch cities of Alphen aan den Rijn, Gouda, and Woerden by rival car dealer Van Poelgeest. Following a different investigation, ACM does not expect this acquisition to have any negative effects either, such as price increases or reductions in quality for maintenance and repair services and the sale of original car parts of BMW and MINI. Buyers will continue to have sufficient options.

Market study

ACM seeks to complete a general market study into the sale of passenger cars in the Netherlands by the end of the year.

Why does ACM assess acquisitions?

With every acquisition, there is the question of whether sufficient competition remains, directly after the transaction as well as in the subsequent years. Competition ensures that products or services are of high quality and that they are offered on the market at competitive prices. Competition also promotes innovation. That is why ACM decides in advance whether or not a business is allowed to acquire another company. ACM assesses whether markets will continue to work well for people and businesses, now and in the future.

More on this case

11-01-2024 Dusseldorp Automotive wishes to acquire Breeman (concentration notification) (in Dutch)