STUTTGART, Germany and WELLINGTON, New Zealand, September 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

- DEKRA enters automotive testing business in Asia-Pacific region

• DEKRA buys 60% of shares and continues strategic expansion of core Automotive business unit outside Europe
• World's largest vehicle inspector taps key Asia-Pacific growth region with this move
• Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ) generates annual sales in excess of EUR 50 million with around 850 employees and 84 inspection stations nationwide

By acquiring VTNZ, DEKRA is systematically continuing its strategic internationalisation and the expansion of its core Automotive business unit outside Europe. As the world's largest testing organisation in the automotive sector, DEKRA is acquiring the majority in Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ). The current owner Motor Trade Association (MTA) will initially sell 60% of its shares to DEKRA. The leading automotive testing service provider in New Zealand, VTNZ, generates annual sales of more than EUR 50 million with around 850 employees and 84 inspection stations nationwide.

"In acquiring VTNZ, we are creating an excellent platform to offer and expand our expert services in the automotive and industrial sectors in the Asia-Pacific region," said Stefan Kölbl, CEO of DEKRA e.V. and DEKRA SE. "VTNZ is an attractive strategic investment as the market leader in vehicle testing business in New Zealand and on account of its knowledge of the industry in the key Asia-Pacific growth region."

"Automotive services are DEKRA's core business. With more than 23 million vehicle inspections, we are the world's largest testing organisation in the automotive sector," explained Clemens Klinke, member of the Management Board of DEKRA SE and Head of the Automotive business unit. "VTNZ is an excellent fit with our corporate philosophy as a quality provider and will help to boost our global activities outside Europe. In MTA, we also have a strong partner to continue the successful development of business."

Thanks to the acquisition of VTNZ, the DEKRA Automotive business unit will be represented in 29 countries in future with its own inspection stations or through partners. In 2012, the business unit generated total annual sales of around EUR 1.2 billion with more than 12,000 employees.

"We are delighted to have found in DEKRA a buyer and partner that, as the world market leader for vehicle inspections, will open up new market prospects for VTNZ with its expertise and knowledge of the industry," said MTA President David Storey. "With DEKRA as the world's leading automotive inspection  organisation, we will have a strong partner moving forward to facilitate further growth  for us," emphasised Mike Walsh, CEO of VTNZ.

Contact:
Dr Torsten Knödler
+49-711-7861-2075
+49-711-7861-2913
torsten.knoedler@dekra.com

SOURCE DEKRA