AUTODOC SE, Europe's leading online retailer of automotive spare parts, announced today the successful completion of its share purchase from Apollo Funds, effectively returning full ownership to its three co-founders. The transaction, funded by a EUR 530 million Term Loan B placed in July 2026, marks the end of a partnership that began in April 2024 when Apollo acquired a minority stake at a valuation of EUR 2.3 billion.
The partnership was intentionally time-limited and purpose-driven. Apollo provided strategic guidance to help AUTODOC prepare for access to institutional capital markets and a potential future IPO. These objectives were achieved in quick succession, leaving AUTODOC well-positioned for future capital market options. With the transaction closed, Apollo representatives on AUTODOC's Supervisory Board have stepped down, and the board now consists of the three founders and three independent members.
The founders, Alexej Erdle, Max Wegner, and Vitalij Kungel, expressed pride in regaining full ownership, stating, "We have grown AUTODOC from a bootstrapped start-up into Europe’s leading automotive parts retailer by making car repair accessible to everyone. Regaining full ownership is a proud and deeply meaningful moment for us." They also thanked Apollo for their trust and expertise, which they said left AUTODOC stronger and more robust.
CEO Dmitri Zadorojnii highlighted that Apollo's contribution extended beyond capital. "Together, we have significantly sharpened our internal processes, strengthened our corporate governance and built a stronger, more scalable platform," he said. He emphasized that AUTODOC's strategic direction remains unchanged and that the company is ready to capture market opportunities, leveraging AI and other technologies to enhance customer experience.
CFO Lennart Schmidt noted that Apollo brought world-class capital markets expertise, facilitating a seamless transition to a new capital structure. "AUTODOC tapping the institutional debt markets for the first time marks another important step in further professionalising the company and making us ready for future endeavours, including a potential IPO when the timing is right."
Jeremy Honeth, Partner at Apollo's Hybrid Value franchise, expressed pride in supporting AUTODOC during its transformative period, stating, "AUTODOC has cemented its position as Europe’s leading digital platform for automotive parts and has demonstrated clear readiness for the capital markets."
Looking ahead, AUTODOC remains focused on becoming Europe's leading technology ecosystem for the automotive aftermarket, combining AI-driven capabilities and enhanced digital experiences. A future IPO remains on the agenda, subject to market conditions.
AUTODOC, founded in Berlin in 2008, operates online shops in 27 European countries and employs over 5,500 people. In 2025, it generated sales revenue of EUR 1.8 billion. Apollo, a global alternative asset manager with approximately $1.05 trillion in assets under management, has a diverse investment portfolio.
