Alliance Automotive Group UK (AAG), a subsidiary of Genuine Parts Company (GPC) and one of the UK’s leading aftermarket distributors, has acquired J&S Automotive Distributors (J&S). The acquired business, which includes its subsidiary Auto Components Northern Ireland, trades from three distribution centres in Dublin, Cork and Omagh with annual sales of approximately €35m.

For AAG, the transaction represents the first step in building a distribution infrastructure in the Irish market to match that of its UK infrastructure. This transaction enables J&S to enter the next chapter in its long history and gives the business access to the global purchasing footprint of GPC, enabling it to offer customers the most attractive products and services available in the market. J&S will continue to be run by its existing management team under the leadership of Alan Gaynor.    

Steve Richardson, Managing Director of AAG said, “Entering the Irish market has been on our agenda for some time, so we are delighted to welcome Alan and his team into our group. I believe it’s a great fit for both parties. With the strength of our brand portfolio, which customers have been asking us to bring to market for some time, there are many exciting opportunities ahead of us”.

Alan Gaynor, Managing Director of J&S said. “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue on our growth path, embracing the change our market is going through, helping our staff and customers for many years to come. I could not be more proud of my team for the business they have helped build and I’m convinced we’ve found the right home for our company and the J&S family in AAG”.