New beginnings

Maxifren, the wholesale distributor of heavy-duty brake and clutch products to the independent automotive aftermarket, has been sold to Aftermarket Solutions (AS), a subsidiary of Imperial Holdings Group.

The acquisition includes ownership of the brand name Ferobrake (which is a nationwide network of independently owned clutch and brake businesses that have the right to trade with the name Ferobrake).

It also includes exclusive distribution rights to Ferodo Commercial Vehicle Brake Linings in South Africa and some neighbouring countries, by agreement with Federal-Mogul Motorparts, South Africa.

“The combined effort of Maxifren distributing Ferodo through Ferobrake will allow us to pursue our growth strategy for the commercial vehicle sector,” says Stefan le Roux, director of the Commercial Vehicle Division at AS.

“Being a leader in the replacement automotive parts industry allows us to open up additional marketing scope for Ferobrake, as well as finance the future of Maxifren to enable the entity to grow its market position.”

The nationwide Ferobrake dealership network will retain its identity, as will Maxifren and its warehousing structures.

Both will benefit from the massive marketing and franchising insight, systems and resources that AS has built up over the years through Midas, ADCO, ACD, CBS, Motolek, Battery Hub and Silverton Radiator Services franchisees, with a 700-store footprint in place.