Arval completes acquisition of Athlon from Mercedes-Benz Group

Leasing firm Arval has completed the acquisition of Athlon, Mercedes-Benz Group’s former leasing and fleet management subsidiary.

Following the acquisition, Arval’s combined fleet numbers 2.3 million vehicles.

Of these, 400,000 have been added through the acquisition.

Arval entered negotiations with Mercedes-Benz Group in December, and has since completed the employee representative consultation process and has received all required regulatory approvals.

The expected return on invested capital (ROIC) will reach 18% in the third year after the acquisition, and Athlon is expected to contribute around €200m to the group’s net income that year.

Plans for the combined company will be outlined at a ‘Deep Dive’ in the first half of 2027.

Alain van Groenendael, CEO at Arval, said: “This acquisition marks a major milestone in Arval’s history. I am particularly pleased to welcome Athlon’s employees to the Arval Group.

“Together, we are combining the strengths of our two organisations to offer our customers greater expertise, proximity, and innovation, while preserving the quality of service and trusted relationships that are the hallmark of both Arval and Athlon.”