JAS OWNER BUYS PAT

HELLABY Automotive Group has continued to expand its presence in the Australian marketplace, announcing a 100 per cent acquisition of Premier Auto Trade (PAT).

A major supplier to the automotive aftermarket, PAT is a leading importer and wholesaler of EFI, engine management and service components. 

This latest move by Hellaby Automotive follows its acquisition in June last year of JAS Oceania – a VASA member and one of the largest suppliers of automotive electrical, air-conditioning and lighting products in the Australian aftermarket.

The Hellaby stable also includes Federal Batteries and Diesel Distributors.

“This is a very exciting development and we are very much looking forward to growing our businesses in Australia by working with our customers and supplier partners and achieve mutually beneficial success stories,” said Hellaby Automotive Group chief executive Colin Daly.

He added that the PAT acquisition was “very complementary to our existing businesses in both Australia and New Zealand”. 

“(Managing director) Jim Cots and the team have built an extremely good business possessing leading brands from the world’s leading manufacturers,” Mr Daly said. 

“The business clearly prides itself in offering high quality products backed by a great team delivering fantastic service and we intend to build on these tremendous foundations.”

Hellaby Automotive is a division of Hellaby Holdings Limited, which is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange.