Marubeni Corporation agreed on 10 June to acquire control of TiAuto Investments, a Southern African automotive aftermarket group with 161 stores, marking its first car-maintenance business in Africa.
Why Marubeni Corporation is buying TiAuto Investments
Marubeni said South Africa, the continent's largest car market, has a car-maintenance sector growing by about 6% a year and is well suited to the model it built at B-Quik in Thailand, which has grown from 44 stores at acquisition in 2006 to 241. It plans to strengthen marketing, improve services and open new stores, and to expand elsewhere in Africa.
“This is an exciting new chapter for TiAuto.”
Deal terms and financing
Financial terms were not disclosed. Bloomberg reported in October 2025, citing people familiar with the matter, that a deal could value TiAuto at about R2.6bn, with Old Mutual Private Equity and other shareholders in advanced talks with Marubeni; Carlyle also backs the company.
Regulatory approvals and timing
Completion is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Market context
Founded in 1967, TiAuto mainly runs its outlets directly rather than through franchises, offers wheel-repair services and sells multiple brands at different price points. With TiAuto, Marubeni's car-maintenance chains in Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico and Southern Africa would total about 540 stores.
