CARMEL, IN--(Marketwired - May 22, 2015) - ADESA, a business unit of KAR Auction Services (NYSE: KAR), today announced that its subsidiary, AutoVIN, has successfully completed the acquisition of the vehicle inspection business from DataScan Field Services, a JM Family Enterprises company. DataScan utilizes Internet-based technology to perform vehicle inspection services for major auto manufacturers, financial institutions, leasing companies and warranty companies.
Building on the AutoVIN brand, the company will employ an unmatched network of field inspectors throughout the U.S. and Canada, serving all major vehicle leasing companies and auto lenders with lease portfolios. The network's broad geographical reach will mean expanded coverage for inspection customers. The acquisition also brings three new offerings to the AutoVIN portfolio, including warranty claim inspections, CPO audits and physical damage appraisals. These new services on the AutoVIN menu will create a network of opportunities for the KAR group of companies.
"The closing of this acquisition allows us to move forward with new and improved services for our customers," said ADESA President and CEO Stéphane St-Hilaire. "Combining the best of what both companies have to offer is a win for everyone. We welcome 500 new employees to the KAR group of companies, and are excited to provide an improved product for our customers."
The new AutoVIN leadership team is led by Richard Carpentier, COO and senior vice president of operations. Carpentier will oversee all aspects of the company's day-to-day operations including field operations, call centers, quality assurance teams, client relations and business development. He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, managing operations and business development teams for inspection companies, first for Quadrex/Manders and later for DataScan. He most recently held the position of managing director for DataScan's Canadian operations.
Nick Pawlak will serve as vice president of U.S. operations, responsible for all U.S. field operations, including all 500-plus U.S. field inspectors, as well as the Carmel, Ind.-based inside operations. Pawlak has been part of the ADESA team since 2005, most recently as ADESA's east regional e-business manager.
Ann Cammarata, vice president of client relations for AutoVIN, will lead all client relations and customer support for the combined AutoVIN and DataScan client base. She has more than 25 years of experience in client services, with 14 of those years in the vehicle inspection industry. Cammarata most recently served as director of client relations for DataScan.
About ADESA
ADESA offers a full range of auction, reconditioning, logistical and other vehicle-related services to meet the remarketing needs of both its institutional and dealer customers. The company handles virtually every stage of the used-vehicle lifecycle through its related subsidiaries of PAR North America, RDN, AutoVIN and CarsArrive. Remarketing services include a variety of activities designed to transfer used vehicles between professional sellers and buyers.
ADESA hosts weekly sales at its 66 auction locations across the United States, Canada and Mexico. The company also builds and manages online sale platforms for many major vehicle manufacturers. The company's online auction venues include ADESA LiveBlock, which simulcasts vehicles worldwide; and ADESA DealerBlock, which offers two ways to buy: bid-now sales events or buy-now pricing 24/7. ADESA is part of the KAR Auction Services group of companies. Visit ADESA.com for details.
About AutoVIN
AutoVIN, the Automated Vehicle Information Network, is an industry-leading solution for trusted vehicle inspections, inventory verification and facility standards audits. The company provides audit and inspection services to major companies throughout North America, including auto manufacturers, financial institutions, leasing companies, warranty companies and contract service administrators. AutoVIN has an international network of highly trained, company-employed field representatives with the training, tools and most up-to-date technology to deliver accurate and timely results. AutoVIN is a subsidiary of ADESA and part of the KAR Auction Services group of companies. Visit AutoVIN.com for details.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and which are subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties. In particular, statements made that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Words such as "should," "may," "will," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "contemplates" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding the proposed transaction. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include the risk that AutoVIN and Datascan may not be able to complete the proposed transaction, which is subject to customary closing conditions, risks that the businesses will not be integrated successfully, risks that AutoVIN may not be able to achieve the expected synergies from the transaction and risks of disruption from the transaction. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those matters disclosed in KAR's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. KAR does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements.