Search
Close this search box.
Sign up for our weekly Newsletter

Daimler FS acquires Athlon to run its fleet management services

Gero Goetzenberger new CEO of Athlon Car Lease International
Gero Goetzenberger, new CEO of Athlon Car Lease International

Share

2 December 2016

Daimler buys Athlon to run fleets

  • Daimler invests € 1.1 billion in multi-brand fleet management in Europe
  • Fleet management combined under the brand Athlon
  • Gero Goetzenberger is appointed chief executive officer,
  • Frans Janssen is appointed chief commercial officer

DAIMLER Financial Services has bought Athlon Car Lease International from De Lage Landen International Group, which belongs to Dutch Rabobank, with regulatory approval.

Daimler FS invested €1.1 billion to acquire Athlon, a leading fleet management company in Europe, which will give it a multi-brand fleet of more than 350,000 vehicles.

It will cover the needs of business mobility with Daimler Fleet Management and Athlon Car Lease International as a multi-brand provider. In the future, Daimler FS will lead its fleet management business under the Athlon brand.

Gero Goetzenberger, CEO of Daimler Fleet Management since 2012, is new CEO of Athlon. Frans Janssen, the former CEO of Athlon, will become chief commercial officer of the company to have its headquarters in Almere, Netherlands.

Bodo Uebber, board of management member of Daimler AG responsible for Finance and Controlling and Financial Services, said: “The importance of business mobility continues to grow. With the acquisition of Athlon, we are strengthening our competitive position in business mobility. Both Daimler Fleet Management and Athlon have a strong heritage and are successfull in the market.

Klaus Entenmann, chairman of Daimler Financial Services AG, said: “With a combined portfolio exceeding 350,000 vehicles we will be an important player in the European fleet business. With Athlon, we will enhance our mobility solutions for companies.”

The integration in all European markets is expected in 2018. In the future, customers will benefit from an extended offer and optimised processes.

Goetzenberger said: “We want to become the leading provider for business mobility in Europe. Our 1,800 employees are committed to delivering on this promise. With our experience and passion we will extend our offer and grow .

Bill Stephenson, CEO and chairman of the executive board of De Lage Landen International, the former holding company of Athlon Car Lease International, said: “We now hand over our vehicle leasing business to a company that possesses all the prerequisites to continue Athlon’s track record of success.”

The company’s presence in Europe spans 14 countries including Britain, with Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland and has partners in more markets.

Share this article

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp
Reddit
Email

Want more motoring news?

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Sign up here for our free weekly serving of motoring.

Latest news

Top