Global Autocare’s executive management team has completed a buyout of private equity investor LDC, supporting growth plans.
The executive management team will now take Global forward as the business enters its next phase of growth
The transaction follows a successful six-year partnership during which revenue has more than doubled and the business has strengthened its position as a leading provider of corporate mobility and fleet management services in the UK.
The executive management team will now take the business forward as it enters its next phase of growth, supported by funding from NatWest.
Leeds-headquartered Global provides bespoke fleet solutions to businesses of all sizes. Its fully integrated service offering spans daily rental to contract hire and fleet management, providing access to some of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. Its flexible contract hire solutions combine the benefits of daily rental and leasing without high costs or long-term commitment, enabling clients to adapt their fleet needs as their business evolves.
Since LDC’s investment in December 2019, Global has pursued an ambitious growth strategy. The business has more than doubled its annual revenue and tripled profits, strengthening its national presence while establishing itself as a leader in sustainable fleet solutions for corporate clients.
The partnership also enabled Global to develop relationships across LDC’s portfolio and today it supplies more than 600 vehicles to 17 LDC portfolio companies, both past and present, demonstrating the value of the firm’s scale and its ability to unlock value for its portfolio companies through cross-sell.
Global has positioned itself at the forefront of the transition to low-carbon fleet solutions. In 2024, the company served as official vehicle supplier for the World Athletics Indoor Championships, providing a sustainable vehicle fleet that eliminated tailpipe emissions. Its recent Driving for the Future report also demonstrates how rapid fleet decarbonisation can support progress towards net zero. This positions Global strongly as businesses increasingly prioritise fleet decarbonisation.
Geoff Bloore, founder and managing director of Global Autocare, said: “The past six years have been a huge success for Global. LDC’s investment and partnership enabled us to accelerate our growth ambitions, while maintaining our focus on exceptional client service and innovation. We have benefited from a number of valuable introductions across their portfolio and we’re particularly grateful for their flexibility throughout our journey together.
“We’re now well-positioned to take the business forward and build on this strong platform whilst continuing to provide our high quality, flexible service to our growing customer base.”
The Global management team also consists of finance director David Sadler, commercial director Stephen Chater and fleet director Joseph Bloore.
The transaction has been facilitated by a new eight-figure funding package from NatWest, which has supported Global throughout LDC’s investment period.
Geoff Bloore continued: “We have a longstanding relationship with NatWest and Lombard. This new funding package supports the next phase of our growth strategy and we are grateful for their continued confidence in our team. I’d also like to thank all our employees, partners and customers for their ongoing support and loyalty – they remain central to our continued success and to the exciting opportunities ahead.”
Andy Croasdell, relationship director at NatWest, commented: “We are delighted to continue our support to a first-class management team with this funding package. The business has delivered significant growth and service expertise and this transaction is another milestone in the journey. We remain committed to supporting management’s ambition and helping the business to thrive in the future.”
At LDC, the exit was led by managing partner John Garner; Dan Smith, partner and head of Yorkshire; and investment manager Anthony West.
Dan Smith said: “We’re proud to have supported Global through a successful partnership and we’re confident the business and team will continue to thrive through its next phase of growth.”
Global and its management team were advised by Squire Patton Boggs, led by Jayne Aarons, Tom Telford, David Parry and Paul Mann.
LDC was advised by Womble Bond Dickinson, led by James Cook and Catherine Willis.
NatWest was advised by Addleshaw Goddard, led by James Washington and Emma Bond.