Qual-Effic Services, Inc. Merges with Keddy Services Ltd.
1 March 2000
Qual-Effic Services, Inc. Merges with Keddy Services Ltd.
Industry Leaders Become World's Largest OEM Vehicle Services Provider
DETROIT, March 1 -- Qual-Effic Services, Inc., the leading
provider of automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) automotive
services in North and South America, and Keddy Services Ltd., an ABN AMRO
Lease Holding (AALH) company and the UK's leading provider of specialist
vehicle marketing support services, today announced a 50/50 merger of both
companies creating the largest OEM vehicle services provider in the world.
With equal representation at all levels, the joint businesses will be known as
QEK Global Solutions (QEK), and will provide "Global Solutions" to automotive
OEMs and suppliers.
The combined company, with more than 1,700 staff and 51 locations on four
continents, will enjoy a prominent global position in the vehicle services
industry. Through a best of brand approach, QEK will offer enhanced products
and services to its combined client base in North America, South America,
Europe and Australasia.
QEK's product and services offering in broadest terms includes: vehicle
lifecycle management including off-balance sheet financing support, related
technology systems and support, business process re-engineering, remarketing,
engineering, body and mechanical services, parts recovery, event and marketing
support, engineering support services and vehicle logistics-storage.
The four-person managing board of QEK will consist of Sam Cupp, chairman;
Kerry Budry, America's CEO; David Gibson, European CEO; and Arthur Hall, chief
financial officer.
"The coming together of these organizations is an extraordinary event.
There is nothing like this combination anywhere," said Sam Cupp. "Both
companies bring creative quality process attitudes with entrepreneurial,
automotive and fleet experience to the leading auto makers and suppliers. The
QEK vision is simple -- global solutions -- the innovation that creates the
best, most effective practices."
"The combination of two leading vehicle service providers gives the new
organization the ability to offer unique opportunities to our clients," said
Kerry Budry. "The merger brings Qual-Effic significant financial resources
from Keddy's parentage and a partner with similar corporate culture that
instantly broadens the company's expertise. My executive team is excited at
the prospect of serving our client base as one cohesive, yet flexible
organization."
"This merger enables Keddy Services to compete more effectively within the
markets we serve and reach new markets quicker," said David Gibson. "More
than anything, this is a client driven initiative. Our clients are global
players and we need to be represented in the markets where they operate. With
both complimentary and contrasting strengths and expertise combined, we can
now serve an ever more demanding customer base in any market where a sound
commercial opportunity presents itself."
Established in 1991, Heyford Park, Oxfordshire, UK- based Keddy Services
provides a comprehensive range of vehicle marketing and support services to
the motor industry including passenger cars, light commercial trucks and
buses. These services include management and preparation of demonstration and
press marketing fleets, company car management, used vehicle marketing and
disposal, ex-rental vehicle refurbishment and disposal, vehicle assessment and
inspection services, vehicle conversions and engineering services, covered and
open transporter movements, valet and chauffeur services including driver
training, photo shoot and model launch support. Within the events and
exhibitions market the company provides services ranging from concept design
to stand build, onsite support and management. The company employs over 850
people, with sales of more than 36 million pounds. For more information visit
http://www.qekgs.com .
Established in 1986, Detroit-based Qual-Effic Services, Inc. provides
customized fleet solutions to OEMs and tier-one automotive suppliers in North
and South America. Qual-Effic meets the numerous requirements of the
OEM/supplier environment by offering: engineering services including retrofit,
captured fleet and scrapped vehicle recovery; marketing support services
including vehicle preparation for shows/photo shoots and single source auto
show vehicle management, and company vehicle management services including:
vehicle ordering, licensing, in-use management, employee vehicle sales and
vehicle remarketing; and technology support services including call center
solutions and software development. The company employs approximately 850
people, with sales of more than $35 million. For more information visit
http://www.qekgs.com.