Micheldever
MTS is the largest distributor of tyres to independent retailers in the UK, offering all major premium tyre brands and a number of exclusive mid-range and budget brands. In addition, the company operates one of the UK’s largest chains of tyre service centres. As a result of the unrivalled depth of its product range and its strong focus on customer service, MTS has been highly successful in driving further consolidation of the UK tyre industry.
Following our investment, we significantly strengthened the company’s management team and supported considerable investment in systems and processes. This allowed MTS to consistently gain share in a competitive and cyclical market, further penetrating existing wholesale accounts and growing its presence in the highly fragmented tyre retailing sector.
KEY BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENTS
Achieved nationwide distribution coverage to serve 3,500 customers from 14 warehouses
Acquired 83 retail sites in 36 separate transactions
Became the third largest tyre retailer in the UK
Doubled turnover to over £300 million and grew operating profit from £9 million to over £23 million
36
BOLT-ON ACQUISITIONS SINCE BUY-OUT
BUSINESS EXIT
In 2017 Graphite sold its investment in MTS to Sumitomo Rubber Industries, a Japanese tyre manufacturer and distributor, in a transaction valuing the company at £215 million. The sale generated a multiple of 3.7 times the cost of Graphite’s investment.