The Van Mossel takeover of Garage Mertens has been completed, the Van Mossel Group reports.
Belgium's automotive sector has recently undergone a dramatic change with the completion of a monumental acquisition that is redefining the mobility landscape in the region. Van Mossel Automotive Group, a titan in the Benelux automotive industry, has officially accepted the prominent Garage Mertens into its business family. This movement expands its influence with the addition of six prestigious Volkswagen Group brands to its already extensive portfolio.
The completion of this acquisition, which was first announced in November 2023, took place following a detailed assessment process by the Belgian competition authority. This not only marks a strategic expansion for Van Mossel but also represents an emotionally significant milestone, as the company has its roots in the Volkswagen brand in the Netherlands.
Eric Berkhof, General Manager of Van Mossel Automotive Group, shared his enthusiasm about this development. He emphasized the confidence that D'Ieteren, the Belgian importer of the Volkswagen group, has placed in Van Mossel by giving them the responsibility to expand their range in Belgium from 25 to 31 car brands.
The takeover of Garage Mertens, deeply rooted in the province of East Flanders and an established name in the Waasland, means that Van Mossel now also serves the region between Antwerp and Ghent. This is reflected in the expansion of the network with showrooms at four locations in three cities, as well as the integration of two Wondercar bodies and a diverse range of second-hand vehicles under the Van Mossel flag.
The Belgian branch of the car company adds Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, Cupra and Škoda to its car range in Belgium.
Koen Claesen, CEO of Van Mossel Belux, underlined the importance of this event, emphasizing that Mertens customers can count on the continuation of the trusted service, enriched by Van Mossel's 'one-stop-shop' concept. This concept offers customers a comprehensive service, from purchase and maintenance to insurance, financing and leasing options.
Van Mossel Automotive Group, with more than 75 years of experience, is the largest automotive company in the Benelux and has an extensive network of 438 branches in the Benelux, Germany, France and the United Kingdom. The company sells more than 180.000 new and used cars annually and has a turnover of €6,3 billion.
Garage Mertens, founded in 1948 by Romain Mertens and his partner, has a rich history in the Belgian car market, starting with the import and distribution of Volkswagen. After the takeover in 2016 by Dominique Desrumaux and Fien Vervaeke, and the later addition of several brands and branches, Mertens has diversified its offering.
