Mainland China Retail Disposals for £54m agreed

2 October 2019

Retail Site Disposals in mainland China for £54m agreed

Streamlines Inchcape's Asia activities to focus on Distribution

Inchcape plc ("Inchcape" or the "Group"), the leading independent multi-brand Automotive Distributor with global scale, today announces that it has agreed to sell its three Retail sites in mainland China to China Yongda Automobiles Services Holdings Limited for net cash proceeds of £54m¹. This follows recent rationalisation in Australia and the UK to optimise our Retail-only portfolios.  Together with the announced UK and Australia disposals earlier this year Inchcape will receive a cash inflow of c.£150m through the disposal of the combined 16 sites.

Today's announcement is consistent with the Group's focus on core Distribution capabilities, which has been enabled by the Ignite strategy, and on the disciplined utilisation of capital.  Inchcape does not have a scale presence in China and as a Retail-only market these assets are less strategic to Inchcape's global growth strategy.  China has been Inchcape's only exposure to Retail-only operations in Asia and this transaction will see the Group exit China.

The sites comprise Lexus in Shaoxing, Porsche in Nanchang and Mercedes-Benz in Jiujiang, and their disposal will enable Inchcape to refocus its regional resources on the more attractive Distribution markets.  Prospects for Inchcape's Distribution business across Asia remain highly attractive and the region a key contributor to the Group.

Net cash proceeds of £54m represents a gain on book value. The transaction is expected to complete by Q1 2020 and is conditional upon final OEM partner and regulatory approvals. Given the timing of completion we expect minimal impact to 2019's trading profit with the business expected to contribute c.£9m to Group trading profit.

1.             Exact net cash proceeds subject to completion adjustments.

Stefan Bomhard, Group CEO of Inchcape plc, commented:

"The disposal of our three remaining sites in mainland China marks a further shift towards focusing on our core Distribution business model, thereby allocating our resources towards more attractive profit pools in the Asia region. Through the Ignite strategy, our focus is on growing both organically and inorganically in Distribution as evidenced through the 10 businesses we have won and acquired since 2016.  The global opportunities for Inchcape are exciting; whilst we exit three Retail sites in China today, through our acquisitions to date we have become a top 5 Distributor of Chinese OEMs across the markets we operate in Latin America. We remain focused on ensuring we are driving value for shareholders today and for the future."

Ends.

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About Inchcape

Inchcape is the leading independent multi-brand Automotive Distributor and Retailer, operating in 32 markets with a portfolio of the world's leading car brands. Inchcape has diversified multi-channel revenue streams including sale of new and used vehicles, parts, service, finance and insurance. The Company has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1958, is headquartered in London and employs around 18,700 people.

Inchcape has a multi-layered growth story, with our highly cash generative and attractive Distribution business at its core. Together with the company's Ignite strategy which focuses on business optimisation initiatives, new contract opportunities, as well as capitalisation of future industry trends, Inchcape can deliver growth for shareholders through organic progress, consolidation and cash returns.

www.inchcape.com

Certain information included herein, such as financial estimates, projections and forecasts, contains forward-looking statements which involve risk and uncertainty, such as business, economic and regulatory changes, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such estimates, projections and forecasts. No representation or warranty is given as to the achievement or reasonableness of any forward-looking statements discussed in this document. This document is delivered as at the date specified.