📻 Apax pulls out of Pinewood.AI acquisition. EVs & hybrids first choice for buyers. Grainger buys another site! (E10 S12)

·30 min·3 clips

Private equity firm Apax pulls out of a £575 million deal to acquire dealer software company Pinewood.ai.

The episode opens with hosts Philip Nothard and Curtis Hutchinson introducing the weekly podcast focused on the UK car retailing sector. They mention the approaching March plate change and the importance of the first quarter for dealers. The hosts highlight the upcoming Car Dealer Live event on March 19th at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon, featuring speakers like Victor Zhang, David Cately, James Lease, and Umesh Samani. Philip Nothard notes he will present exclusive research on consumer attitudes toward new OEMs at the event. They briefly touch on the Big Motoring World trial, where founder Peter Waddell is alleging unfair dismissal, harassment, and disability discrimination. After a break, the hosts dive into headlines, starting with private equity firm Apax pulling out of its proposed £575 million acquisition of Pinewood.ai, citing challenging market conditions. Next, they discuss Startline research finding that 62% of used car buyers are put off by dealers with bad online reviews, with other factors like slow communications and dirty premises also deterring customers. The Motor Ombudsman reports used car complaints increased by 14% in 2025, accounting for 40% of all cases. Motors and Cazoo research reveals that 55% of buyers expect to purchase alternative fuel cars, with hybrids and EVs collectively overtaking petrol and diesel as the likely fuel choice. Grainger Motor Group expands by acquiring a Nissan site in Duxford, continuing its rapid growth since 2022. Finally, Savills reports that dealership investment opportunities are the most attractive in a decade, with increased overseas acquisitions from the US and Middle East. The episode concludes with hosts summarizing the headlines and teasing the upcoming newsletter.

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