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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.

From Print Listings to Digital Powerhouse

Founded in 1969 as a print classifieds paper, La Centrale has transformed into a go-to digital marketplace with 4.5 million monthly visitors and 350,000 listings. The platform has carved out a niche in high-value vehicles and now emphasizes data-driven tools for both dealers and consumers. Providence bought the company in 2021 for an undisclosed sum.

Market Outlook: Europe’s Used-Car Gold Rush

The European used-car market, valued at $59 billion in 2025, is projected to grow at a 4.4% annual compound rate, reaching $73 billion by 2030, according to Mordor Intelligence. Competition is intensifying as traditional dealerships, digital disruptors and original equipment manufacturers race to merge tech with sales.

Prosus’ Appetite for Deals

The La Centrale buy comes on the heels of Prosus securing European Commission clearance for its €4.1 billion acquisition of Just Eat Takeaway, a deal that was finalized earlier than expected. The Dutch giant continues to flex its financial horsepower, targeting sectors with massive consumer demand.

For Prosus, this is not just another acquisition—it’s a turbocharged entry into Europe’s auto marketplace, with La Centrale as its new flagship vehicle.