Arval and Mercedes-Benz Group enter negotiations for Athlon acquisition

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.