Ebay announces plans to merge Carsguide.com.au and Autotrader.com.au with Gumtree following acquisition
Ebay has acquired Cox Automotive Media Solutions, which includes Carsguide.com.au and Autotrader.com.au, and will join the platforms with the Gumtree Australia business once the deal closes.
The platforms will join Gumtree Australia as part of the Ebay Classifieds Group portfolio (eCG), creating a united automotive offering for consumers, according to the company.
Carsguide.com.au and autotrader.com.au will now form part of Gumtree Australia
eCG senior vice president and general manager, Alessandro Coppo, said the acquisition forms part of the wider strategy for the Ebay business.
“This acquisition is an important part of Ebay Classifieds Group’s verticalisation strategy in the automotive market, following our successful acquisition of Motors.co.uk in the United Kingdom earlier this year.
“Gumtree is already an established player in the Australian private sales market, and the addition of Carsguide.com.au and Autotrader.com.au will make our offerings even more compelling by giving Australian consumers and dealers more reach and choice in market,” said Coppo.
Gumtree Australia’s head of motors, Richard Dicello, said the resulting entity will strengthen the market position for all involved.
“This acquisition will strengthen our position in the automotive market by providing consumers with access to thousands of additional listings, automotive research, reviews and content, as well as a strong dealer tool and car buying destination. Together with Gumtree Australia, these brands create a robust customer experience in auto buying — from research to purchase,” said Dicello.
Cox Automotive Australia’s CEO of media solutions, Shaun Cornelius, said: “Carsguide.com.au is the leading automotive editorial site in Australia and autotrader.com.au is our relatively new classified marketplace. Our team has worked extensively to provide a comprehensive suite of offerings for auto buyers and sellers.
“Through this deal we have the opportunity to utilise the benefits of these sites combined with the audience and listings from Gumtree, to deliver significantly more value for consumers, car dealerships and advertisers.”
Rob Whiten, CEO of Cox Automotive Australia said: “For Cox Automotive Australia, it will enable us to focus on our broader strategy of building upon our strengths in the wholesale arena and support dealers, OEMs, fleet/ lease and retail customers in changing and challenging market conditions. The decision is also in line with other international markets where Cox Automotive is strengthening its focus on wholesale markets and providing connected retail experiences.”
The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals in Australia and other closing conditions. It is expected to close in Q2 2020.
topics
Alessandro Coppo
Autotrader
Carsguide.com.au
Cox Automotive
eBay
eBay Australia
Gumtree
Richard Dicello
Rob Whiten
Shaun Cornelius
How are they expecting this to get past the ACCC?
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Why are you using old outdated logo of Gumtree?
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