Juratek Ownership Changes with Fras-le Takeover

Source: Jaratek announcement

DONCASTER, U.K. — Founded in 1995, Doncaster based Juratek Ltd has expanded to become a brand leader in the automotive-and-commercial-vehicle parts distribution aftermarket, generating a turnover of £24.5 million in the UK, Europe and beyond.

A management buyout in October 2019 lead by Managing Director Matt Robinson, was followed by the acquisition of Bradford based parts supplier Bettaparts, and the opening of a depot in Northern Ireland in 2021.

Fras-le is a driving force in the global automotive parts industry, bringing together a portfolio of well recognized high-quality products and brands. In addition, it is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of friction material, serving both original equipment and aftermarket. The company develops and manufactures products for cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles, aviation and for the railway and industrial lines.

With units in Brazil, United States, China, Argentina, Uruguay, and India, it has 10 industrial plants, six distribution centers, four commercial offices, two technology and development centers and a team capable of serving customers in more than 120 countries on five continents, offering more than 14,000 references in automotive parts solutions. Since 1996, Fras-le has been part of Randon Companies.

Fras-Le has, in partnership with Randon Companies, one of the most advanced research centers in Latin America: the Randon Technological Centre (CTR). An engineering hub in an area of 90 hectares that has 20 types of tracks, totaling 15 kilometers, for the development of various tests; and a structural laboratory, complete technical and electronic support and areas for co-creation and product innovation.

As part of the Fras-Le expansion strategy, on 16th February 2023 a deal was signed to acquire 100 percent of the share capital of AML Juratek Limited and its subsidiaries. The deal will then be completed within 30 days once compliance with conditions has been met.

Current Directors Matt Robinson (MD), Mark Clegg (Operations) & Toby Whewell (Sales & Marketing) will continue to be responsible for Juratek group sales and operations.

The strategy and operations of Juratek fully aligns with that of Fras-Le, with synergies in products and markets, both from a sales perspective and for global parts sourcing. The acquisition of Juratek gives Fras-Le a footprint in the UK market and as Juratek has an established client base internationally, the European base of operations of Fras-Le will drive further growth within this section of the business.

Juratek has a strong, dedicated, and experienced management team that share the same values as those in Fras-Le, and this partnership enhances the strategies of both organisations while at the same time providing further opportunities to improve efficiencies throughout the supply chain and creates additional sourcing opportunities.

Matt Robinson commented: “I’m delighted to agree to the acquisition of AML Juratek by Fras-le. We have experienced tremendous growth in the past 8 years, and we have exciting plans for the future. This deal gives us the synergies and strength to expand on these plans and to also aggressively pursue new opportunities. I am looking forward to guiding the company in the next exciting phase of its history.”

“This movement is part of our strategy of expanding the business in the aftermarket sector inserting the Company in mature markets such as the European one, through product diversification and brand expansion in the portfolio”, commented Fras-le’s Managing Director, Anderson Pontalti.

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