Automotive publishing specialist Haynes has been sold to French rival Infopro Digital in a deal valued at £114m. The agreement is subject to ratification at forthcoming shareholders meeting. 

Haynes is best known for its car manuals and has since developed digital information systems for the motor trade. The business was put up for sale in November of last year.

Infopro Digital founder and chief executive Christophe Czajka commented, “‘With a deeply complementary product set and geographic footprint, the combined companies have an opportunity to serve our clients more effectively and to build on both organisations’ history of creating innovative, transformative products that the automotive industry has come to value. We are committed to working together to create a company that will continue to help define the future of automotive data.”

Eddie Bell, chairman of Haynes, said he believed Infopro offer was “fair and reasonable”. He commented, “The Haynes board believes that the markets it serves have great potential for Haynes’ future growth and development, and that a combination with Infopro Digital will provide Haynes with the scale, capabilities and resources to ensure that it stays at the forefront of these markets and maximises its potential.”