Acquisitions keep retailer stocks buoyant; Consolidation in UK market leads to speculation of more takeovers in 2007.(News)

Automotive News Europe,  January, 2007  

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Byline: Sylviane de Saint-Seine

European Motor Holdings shot to the top of the retailers league in the fourth quarter of 2006, boosted by a successful takeover bid from British car retailer Inchcape. EMH rose 16.71 percent in the quarter.

Inchcape's offer valued EMH at [pounds sterling]263 million ([euro]398 million). With this acquisition, Inchcape says it wants to bolster its position in the north of England and in the premium brands business in the UK.

But many analysts considered the record price Inchcape paid for EMH as high.

PwC's Wylie said the acquisition will ...

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