Auto Data Network Enters into Heads of Agreement to Acquire AutoMaster Oy
NEW YORK & TUNBRIDGE WELLS, England--Feb. 4, 2005--Auto Data Network Inc. (ADNW: OTCBB), a provider of software and real-time data services to the worldwide automotive industry, today announced that is has entered into a Heads of Agreement to acquire AutoMaster Oy, an automotive business IT solutions provider serving 33 countries on five continents. The acquisition, the terms of which are currently subject to a confidentiality agreement, is expected to close by the end of February 2005.AutoMaster, established in 1985, is based in Helsinki, Finland and has corporate offices in Sodertalje, Sweden, and Tallinna, Estonia. AutoMaster specialises in developing integrated automobile dealer and importer management systems. Its solutions support multi-franchise, multi-site and multi-currency functionality. AutoMaster is recognized as the most experienced dealer service provider in Europe in handling multi-franchised dealerships. Its software supports more than 30 makes and is the recommended dealer management system for General Motors and Scania in several European countries.
Chris Glover, Auto Data Network's CEO, commented, "As part of the ADN group, AutoMaster will have a strong financial position from which to better compete in a global market, especially when dealing with automobile manufacturers. In addition to strengthening Auto Data Network's product portfolio, the acquisition will also advance its ability to cross-sell products into more than 30 countries."
AutoMaster is expected to benefit from Auto Data Network's strong, focused sales channel and utilize Auto Data Network's wider product offering for its existing customer base. Auto Data Network's specialized technological support should also provide a boost to AutoMaster's product development.
About Auto Data Network
Auto Data Network is a group of established companies which provide software products and services to the automotive industry. The company's main customer base is the auto dealership marketplace. This marketplace consists of approximately 78,000 dealers in North America and 92,000 dealers in Europe. The company estimates that this represents a $15 billion market for Software and Services specifically for auto dealerships. The company supplies a suite of software solutions and services that enable dealerships to run their businesses more efficiently whilst achieving considerable cost savings. The majority of the company's current solutions are focused on serving the aftermarket and finance areas of dealerships. These areas are of particular importance as the aftermarket business is responsible for 48% of a dealerships profit from 12% of their overall revenue. The second most profitable area is vehicle finance and insurance this area contributes 35% of profits from 2% of revenues.
About Automaster Oy
Automaster Oy is an innovative provider of IT solutions for the automotive business focusing on the modern vehicle trade and import.
The company has been in the fore-front of industry since 1983. As a Finnish and Swedish based technology company, we offer advanced and modern solutions for the automotive industry. There are more than 100 industry professionals working as co-workers with Automaster development. Outside of our home markets we operate through an extensive global partner network.
Automaster is now represented in 5 continents with installations in 33 countries with more than 10,000 users.
Automaster has sales and service offices in 12 countries in Europe.
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties impacting the Company's business including increased competition; the ability of the Company to expand its operations through either acquisitions or internal growth, to attract and retain qualified professionals, and to expand commercial relationships; technological obsolescence; general economic conditions; and other risks detailed time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).