Arval entered into talks with Mercedes-Benz Group for the acquisition of 100% of Athlon.
Athlon represents a multi-brand fleet of more than 400,000 vehicles, 56,000 of which are under fleet management across 10 European countries.
With its current fleet of 1.9 million vehicles and an average annual growth of more than 100,000 units in the past three years, Arval, together with Athlon, would reach a combined fleet of close to 2.3 million vehicles, creating the European co-leader in full-service vehicle leasing.
Arval said the transaction reflects its ambition to pursue its market presence in the Netherlands, France, and Germany, while also benefiting from activities in the UK, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Belgium, Luxembourg and Poland.
It also aims to strengthen the current partnership with Mercedes-Benz Group to mutually boost further business opportunities.
The contemplated transaction remains subject to the information and consultation process with the relevant employee representative bodies of the entities concerned.
The completion of the transaction is expected during 2026, following receipt of the necessary approval from the competent authorities.
Thierry Laborde, chief operating officer of BNP Paribas, in charge of commercial personal banking and services, said: “This acquisition would be a key step in BNP Paribas Mobility’s strategy, aiming to enrich and diversify our portfolio of mobility solutions, to offer our clients a seamless and integrated experience.
“We believe that the future integration of Athlon would make Arval and the BNP Paribas group a unique and powerful player in the European mobility market.
“This operation would also strengthen the long-standing relationship built with the Mercedes-Benz Group, which we already support across the various businesses of the Bank.”
Alain van Groenendael, CEO of Arval, added: “We are excited about the opportunity to combine our strengths to offer Athlon’s clients broader access to our services and expertise across Europe, enhanced by Arval’s geographic presence, our advanced digital platforms, and our joint purchasing capabilities, all contributing to more innovative, efficient, and competitive mobility solutions.
“Ensuring the highest quality of service is a core commitment for Arval and we look forward to exploring this opportunity to work together to drive the future of innovative, sustainable, and customer-centric mobility.”
Franz Reiner, CEO Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, said: “Athlon has been a valuable part of Mercedes-Benz Mobility over the past nine years.
“This step would create new opportunities to further develop the business and explore new paths for success and, most importantly, to offer customers compelling perspectives for the future.”
Christian Schüler, CEO Athlon, added: “I am convinced that this is an opportunity for both teams to inspire each other to bring the customer journey to the next level.
“Our people prove their commitment to customers every day, and they would continue to provide them with the same high level of service and support during the expected transition and beyond.”
The parties will provide further updates on the progress of the acquisition in due course.
