Porsche Holding Salzburg takes over Autocentro Baistrocchi S.p.A., a further retail group in northern Italy

2021-07-15

 

  • Private automotive retail group Autocentro Baistrocchi S.p.A. joins Eurocar Italia, a subsidiary of Porsche Holding
  • Four new locations in Emilia-Romagna will perfectly complement the regional presence in northern Italy
  • Porsche Holding Salzburg continues to pursue strategic growth opportunities in Italy
  • Acquisition is subject to the approval of the European competition authorities

 

Salzburg, 15 July 2021 - Porsche Holding Salzburg, Europe's largest automotive retail group, continues to pursue strategic growth opportunities and is closing a further geographical gap in northern Italy with the acquisition of Autocentro Baistrocchi S.p.A., based in Parma in the Emilia-Romagna region. In 2020 Autocentro Baistrocchi S.p.A. had over 120 employees, delivered 3,650 new and 2,100 used cars and generated sales of 131 million euros. The company is responsible for sales and servicing for the Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, ŠKODA, Porsche and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle brands, as well as for Audi Prima Scelta Plus and Das Weltauto, at three locations in Parma as well as a further location in Fidenza. The acquisition of the privately held Autocentro Baistrocchi S.p.A. is subject to the approval of the European competition authorities.

"We are very pleased to acquire another successful dealership in Italy which, with four locations and excellent market performance, represents the brands of the Volkswagen Group. Autocentro Baistrocchi S.p.A is a promising, forward-looking extension for Eurocar Italia's existing dealership network. We will continue on the path traced by the Baistrocchi family to build a future of great success," said Rainer Schroll, PHS Board Member for retail.

 

Long-established automotive retail group in Parma

"The sale to the Eurocar Italia Group (Porsche Holding Salzburg) was one of the most important decisions we have taken in 72 years of activity," said Roberto, Liliana and Francesco Baistrocchi. "It was a choice as difficult and emotional as it was reasoned. Never before as today have we faced such a huge transformation of the entire automotive market. We have thus chosen to look forward and decided to entrust our company and over 120 employees to an international group that has all the available means at its disposal to tackle the new challenges ahead."

Based in the north Italian commercial centre of Parma, the automotive retail group was founded after the Second World War by Egisto Baistrocchi, a driver who took part in legendary races such as the Mille Miglia and the Parma Poggio. The relationship of the Baistrocchi family with Volkswagen dates back to 1950, when the family founded the first VW dealership in Italy. Collaboration with Porsche began soon afterwards, in 1954, then extended to Audi in 1965 and to ŠKODA in 1993. In 2019 the dealership celebrated 70 years of partnership with the Volkswagen Group, distinguishing itself as the company with the longest collaboration with Volkswagen in Italy.

"We would also like to extend warm thanks to all employees who shared with us a journey that began in 1950, making it rich in passion and success," said the Baistrocchi family. "Special thanks go to all our customers, who by choosing us for three generations have allowed us to realise our biggest dream. A dream destined to continue and extend into the future stronger than before."

 

Eurocar Italia on course for further growth

"We are delighted that Autocentro Baistrocchi S.p.A. with its highly professional staff will be part of the Eurocar Italia Group. Gaining a foothold in Emilia-Romagna is a great opportunity for us to strengthen our presence between Verona and Florence in the long term and continue to grow as a group in Italy," said Matthias Moser, CEO of Eurocar Italia, a Porsche Holding subsidiary.

After obtaining the approval of the competition authorities to acquire Autocentro Baistrocchi S.p.A, Eurocar Italia will increase its sales volume to around 37,200 new cars and 20,400 used cars. The subsidiary of Porsche Holding currently employs more than 1,600 people at 41 dealerships in the regions of Friaul, Lombardy, Veneto, Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, Tuscany, Liguria and Trentino-South Tyrol.