Prosus NV has fired the starting gun on a €1.1 billion ($1.28 billion) takeover of La Centrale, France’s leading online auto marketplace, in a bold move that accelerates its expansion into one of Europe’s most competitive used-car sectors.
The Dutch investment powerhouse, dual-listed in Amsterdam and Johannesburg, announced Friday that its classifieds arm OLX Group will buy the platform in an all-cash deal from Providence Equity Partners LLC. Pending employee consultation under French labor law, the acquisition is expected to close by the end of 2025.
Heavyweights Behind the Wheel
Advising Prosus are legal giant Allen Overy Shearman Sterling and financial adviser BofA Securities Inc. Providence has tapped Kirkland & Ellis LLP, with corporate partners Vincent Ponsonnaille and Emmanuel Enrici and tax partner Nadine Gelli leading the team. Goldman Sachs is serving as its financial adviser.
AI Meets Europe’s Auto Marketplace
Prosus CEO Fabricio Bloisi hailed the acquisition as a springboard into one of Europe’s most dynamic technology markets. He emphasized the company’s plan to boost La Centrale’s position through cutting-edge AI-driven innovations.
“La Centrale will expand our footprint and unlock new opportunities to innovate, scale, and deliver greater value to consumers and partners,” Bloisi said.
With 29 million monthly users across eight Central and Eastern European countries, OLX is poised to rev up its reach by fusing La Centrale’s platform with its digital muscle.
