AUTO1 Group SE, Europe's leading digital automotive platform, has successfully upsized and extended its inventory asset-backed securitisations, enabling the company to finance up to €1.6 billion in used car inventory. This substantial increase in financing capacity represents a 45% expansion and will support AUTO1 Group's ambitious growth plans across the continent.
The transaction's significance lies in its structural improvements and expanded banking partnerships. AUTO1 Group's bank group has grown from six to thirteen leading financial institutions, creating a more robust foundation for future inventory financing needs. The arrangement includes reduced interest margins and improved economic conditions, making the financing more cost-effective for the company. Additionally, the revolving period has been extended to November 2027, providing long-term stability for inventory management.
Philip Reicherstorfer, VP Treasury, IR & Captive Finance of AUTO1 Group, emphasized the strategic importance of this development. "With upsizing our inventory financing we are strongly positioned for the anticipated business growth in 2026," Reicherstorfer stated. "We thank our banking partners for their ongoing support, which enables us to provide great services and a broad selection of cars to our AUTO1.com partner dealers and Autohero customers."
The €1.6 billion total inventory financing capacity comprises up to €1.3 billion of senior notes from the company's enlarged bank group, augmented by up to €0.3 billion of junior notes by AUTO1 Group. This financial structure allows the company to maintain flexibility while accessing substantial capital for inventory expansion. Credit Agricole CIB acted as lead arranger for the main inventory backed facility, while BNP Paribas acted as lead arranger for the Italian facility.
This financing development matters because it directly impacts Europe's used car market dynamics. As the operator of wirkaufendeinauto.de, Autohero, and AUTO1.com brands across over 30 countries, AUTO1 Group's increased inventory capacity means more vehicles available for consumers and partner dealers. The company sold 690,000 cars in 2024 and generated revenue of €6.3 billion, making this financing expansion crucial for maintaining and accelerating that growth trajectory.
The implications extend beyond AUTO1 Group's immediate operations. By strengthening its financial position through this transaction, the company can potentially influence pricing, availability, and service quality across Europe's digital automotive marketplace. The expanded banking partnerships also signal confidence from major financial institutions in AUTO1 Group's business model and growth prospects. For more information about the company's operations, visit https://www.auto1-group.com.
This financing arrangement positions AUTO1 Group to capitalize on anticipated market growth in 2026 while providing stability through extended terms and improved conditions. The transaction's structure, with legal advice from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer for AUTO1 Group and Hogan Lovells for the lenders, demonstrates the complexity and significance of this financial milestone for Europe's leading digital automotive platform.
