BREAKING: Inchcape to take a 60% share of luxury car specialist CATS motors

Inchcape, one of the leading independent multi-brand global automotive distributors, has announced that it has agreed with the CATS Group of Companies to take a controlling stake in the group. 

The deal will close in H2 of 2023, with CATS’ founding  Ang family retaining a 40% share in the company, with Inchcape taking the remaining 60%. 

Felix Ang will still be a representative on the board of the company and will be part of the management team. 

Inchcape brings to the table several years of experience in handling multiple brands globally. It operates vehicle distributorships in Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Guam, Macau, New Zealand, Saipan, Singapore, and Thailand. 

It also handles brands such as Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Chevrolet, Great Wall Motors, Peugeot Citreon, Harley Davidson, Daimler Trucks and Buses, Hino, and other commercial vehicle partners. 

Thanks to its extensive portfolio, the distributor is an excellent match for the CATS Group.

From humble beginnings the start of CATS

Felix R. Ang founded the CATS Group of companies in 1989 as a car accessories, tires, and service center business. It would grow to become a leader in the premium vehicle distribution segment of the Philippine market as the biggest one-stop shop for luxury passenger vehicles. 

Since 2004 the CATS group has been in charge of distributorship for Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and RAM in the country. Later it would also take control of Jaguar and Land Rover. It also has support for Mazda and Harley Davidson dealerships. 

With Inchcape taking a majority stake in the group, it will power the CATS group to the next step by preparing it for the boom of the electric vehicle market. 

What the future holds for CATS Motors

Inchcape aims to capitalize on the Philippine market as it predicts that by 2026 the luxury car market will grow even more significantly.

This joint venture is also a great example of Inchcape’s “acceleration strategy,” where it further delivers on the Group’s ambition to expand its global footprint and presence in Asia by becoming the number one distributor in the region.

“After over 30 successful years of operating independently, we believe the time is now right for CATS to take the next step in our growth journey, and in Inchcape, we have found the right partner to drive us forward. The Philippines is a fast-growing market with an increasing demand for the luxury vehicles we provide, and we look forward to leveraging Inchcape’s leadership in digital and data to further build our distinctive market position through the provision of best-in-class customer service,” said Felix R. Ang, CATS Group of companies founder.