Groupe LACOUR

Performances

2024

LACOUR GROUP achieved a score of 59, placing it in the top 35% worldwide of all companies evaluated by EcoVadis and aboce the European average of 56.5.

LACOUR GROUP obtaining the EcoVadis Bronze Medal

December 2024

In March 2024, LACOUR GROUP reached an important milestone in our journey toward social and environmental responsibility: obtaining the EcoVadis Bronze Medal. This encouraging result for our first evaluation places us among the top 35% of the best-performing companies assessed by EcoVadis over the past 12 months. But what does this mean for our clients, suppliers, and partners in the automotive sector? WHAT IS THE ECOVADIS BRONZE MEDAL? The EcoVadis Bronze Medal is a prestigious recognition awarded to companies that demonstrate exemplary operational practices in sustainable development. With over 130,000 assessments conducted in more than 180 countries, EcoVadis evaluates 35,000–40,000 new companies annually. The assessment is based on four essential pillars: - Environment: Management of natural resources, reduction of emissions, and ecological initiatives. - Social and Human Rights: Employee health and safety, working conditions, regulatory compliance, inclusion and diversity, recruitment, career management, and training. - Ethics: Integrity and transparency in business practices. - Responsible purchaising: Integration of sustainable criteria in the supply chain. With an overall score of 59 points, LACOUR Group has achieved a performance well above the industry average, showcasing solid results in environmental, social, and ethical areas. Image_Ecovadis_graph_bis WHY IS THIS DISTINCTION IMPORTANT TO YOU? In a rapidly evolving automotive sector with increasing demands for sustainability and responsibility, this medal represents much more than an award: A guarantee of reliability and transparency As a trusted partner, LACOUR GROUP demonstrates its commitment to adhering to international sustainability standards. Support for your own CSR initiatives Whether you are a dealership, supplier, or automotive industry stakeholder, partnering with a company recognized by EcoVadis strengthens your own CSR efforts. Together, we contribute to a more sustainable and responsible value chain. A boost to responsible purchasing practices As your partner, LACOUR GROUP integrates ethical and ecological criteria into supplier relationships, fostering a virtuous cycle across the entire automotive ecosystem. CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AT THE HEART OF OUR COMMITMENTS This distinction highlights the quality of our CSR strategy and management system, launched in 2023 to formalize and accelerate our commitment to sustainable development. This Bronze Medal is only the beginning. At LACOUR GROUP, we firmly believe in continuous improvement. Each year, we will renew the EcoVadis evaluation to enhance our performance across the four key pillars. This reflects our determination to innovate and adapt to the expectations of an ever-changing market. A big thank you to our teams and partners This achievement is the result of collective effort. We thank our employees for their daily dedication, our suppliers for their sustainable collaboration, and our clients for their trust. Together, we are moving toward a future that respects the environment and human values. Join us on this process At LACOUR Group, we are convinced that the future of the automotive sector lies in responsible and sustainable transition. Would you like to learn more about our commitments or collaborate with us? Contact us today to explore how we can build an exemplary automotive industry together. With this Bronze medal, we reaffirm our ambition: to be a leader in sustainability within the automotive sector.

Lacour Group Acquires Dragon2000, Strengthening its Position as a Leading Software Platform in the European Automotive After-Sales Market

17^th October 2024

Saint-Doulchard, France, 17 October 2024 – Lacour Group (“Lacour”), a French leader in software for the automotive after-sales value chain, announces today the acquisition of Dragon2000, a provider of software solutions for the UK automotive industry. This acquisition marks a key milestone in Lacour's strategy to expand its footprint across Europe and enter the UK market, further cementing its leadership position in the after-sales automotive industry. A Strategic Combination Driving Lacour’s European leadership and Expansion to the UK Founded in 1995, Dragon2000 is a leading UK provider of dealer management software for car workshops, garages and car dealerships. The company offers a comprehensive platform for workshop management, accounting, and vehicle sales through its dealer management system, garage software and mobile apps product offering. Dragon2000’s mission is to provide innovative solutions that streamline operations and improve profitability for its clients. Dragon2000’s integration into Lacour, which follows the acquisition of KeplerVO in 2023, will enable Lacour to further strengthen its leadership in the European dealer management software after-sales market, where significant growth opportunities continue to emerge across car workshops, garages and dealerships. Through this transaction, the group now reaches c.10,000 clients, offering a comprehensive product suite that is primed for continued innovation and growth. The combination enables Lacour to continue its strategy of deploying innovative solutions connected to its costing software (estimatics) and leveraging its expertise in AI, opening new opportunities for an expanded product suite towards a further diversified customer base. Angelo MAÏDA, CEO of Lacour, remarked: "This acquisition is a major step forward for our group, allowing us to enter the UK market, one of the most dynamic in Europe. We are excited about the opportunities this expansion presents, not only to grow our presence but also to introduce our innovative solutions to a wider audience. Together, we will continue our shared commitment to innovation and product-led growth, and we will further develop and integrate artificial intelligence within our product suite to provide even more value to our customers." Mark COOPER, CEO and founder of Dragon2000, said: "Joining forces with Lacour is an exciting accomplishment for Dragon2000. Our shared vision of providing leading after-sales software solutions to the automotive sector makes this partnership a natural fit. The scale of the combined business offers a range of opportunities in terms of both the suite of products available to our customers as well as the service we are able to provide them. We look forward to leveraging Lacour’s expertise to accelerate our innovation and growth, and to working with Angelo and the Lacour team. " Cyril BOURDAROT, Managing Director at Carlyle Europe Technology Partners, commented: "This acquisition is an important milestone in Lacour’s expansion strategy. With Dragon2000, it solidifies its leadership across Europe while creating new opportunities in the UK, notably with Lacour’s advanced estimatics capabilities. We are proud to continue supporting Lacour’s impressive growth story, which has seen the company strengthen its market position and drive product innovation. This acquisition also marks the beginning of a broader European geographic expansion for Lacour, laying the foundation for future growth across the continent." About Lacour Group Lacour Group (“Lacour”) is a leading provider of digital solutions for the automotive after-sales sector. Founded in 1985, and based in Saint-Doulchard, France, Lacour has developed a comprehensive suite of software that includes dealer and bodyshop management systems, costing software (estimatics), and a parts database to support the vehicle repair and maintenance process. Today, the Lacour Group employs over 340 people across three locations and continues to redefine the future of automotive after-sales with close to 9000 clients across insurers, repair shops, claim adjusters, fleet managers, automotive suppliers and end of life vehicle centres. About Carlyle Group Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across its business and conducts its operations through three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Global Investment Solutions. With $435 billion of assets under management as of June 30, 2024, Carlyle's purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,200 people in 29 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group. Press Contact: carlyle@steeleandholt.com Daphné CLAUDE, +33 6 66 58 58 81 92 et Clément MASSON, +33 6 48 57 83 24

LACOUR GROUP at Equip Auto On Tour 2024: Promising Meetings for the Future of the Automotive Sector!

Edition 2024

Rich Discussions with Industry Professionals Throughout the tour, our team had the opportunity to meet with body shop owners, repairers, dealers, and many other automotive after-sales professionals. These meetings were an opportunity to exchange insights on the daily challenges of the trade and to understand the concrete needs of industry players. We were able to demonstrate how our software solutions, such as Kepler VO and Iris Hub & Services, meet the challenges of inventory management, used vehicle traceability, and workshop optimization. A Positive Outcome and Strengthened Partnerships Beyond demonstrations and presentations, Equip Auto On Tour 2024 provided the perfect setting to strengthen our existing partnerships with key market players. Many professionals showed great interest in our solutions, not only for their ease of use but also for their ability to automate and streamline administrative and commercial tasks. We received enthusiastic feedback from our current clients, who shared their positive experiences with our products, further solidifying our position as a market leader. Connecting with Tomorrow’s Clients This event also allowed us to meet future clients curious to discover how our solutions can modernize their businesses. Whether they were dealers looking to optimize their used vehicle management or garages in need of better after-sales service solutions, we saw real enthusiasm for our software. These exchanges inspire us to continue our mission : to support automotive professionals in their digital transformation journey. On the Road to further successes! We would like to extend a warmest thank you to all the participants, including our clients, partners, and the organizers, for their warm welcome and inspiring discussions. Thanks to you, we’re leaving more motivated than ever to innovate and offer even more efficient solutions. See you next year for another edition full of meetings, exchanges, and shared successes! 🚗💻 #EquipAuto #DigitalAutomotive #LacourGroup

LACOUR GROUP at Equip Auto On Tour 2024: Promising Meetings for the Future of the Automotive Sector!

Edition 2024

Rich Discussions with Industry Professionals Throughout the tour, our team had the opportunity to meet with body shop owners, repairers, dealers, and many other automotive after-sales professionals. These meetings were an opportunity to exchange insights on the daily challenges of the trade and to understand the concrete needs of industry players. We were able to demonstrate how our software solutions, such as Kepler VO and Iris Hub & Services, meet the challenges of inventory management, used vehicle traceability, and workshop optimization. A Positive Outcome and Strengthened Partnerships Beyond demonstrations and presentations, Equip Auto On Tour 2024 provided the perfect setting to strengthen our existing partnerships with key market players. Many professionals showed great interest in our solutions, not only for their ease of use but also for their ability to automate and streamline administrative and commercial tasks. We received enthusiastic feedback from our current clients, who shared their positive experiences with our products, further solidifying our position as a market leader. Connecting with Tomorrow’s Clients This event also allowed us to meet future clients curious to discover how our solutions can modernize their businesses. Whether they were dealers looking to optimize their used vehicle management or garages in need of better after-sales service solutions, we saw real enthusiasm for our software. These exchanges inspire us to continue our mission : to support automotive professionals in their digital transformation journey. On the Road to further successes! We would like to extend a warmest thank you to all the participants, including our clients, partners, and the organizers, for their warm welcome and inspiring discussions. Thanks to you, we’re leaving more motivated than ever to innovate and offer even more efficient solutions. See you next year for another edition full of meetings, exchanges, and shared successes! 🚗💻 #EquipAuto #DigitalAutomotive #LacourGroup

LACOUR GROUP renews its partnership with the Sancerre Trail

15^th June 2024 - Sancerre (18), France

LACOUR GROUP is delighted to be renewing its partnership with the Sancerre Trail for the third year running. This 11^th edition will take place on Saturday 15 June 2024. A not-to-be-missed race in the Centre-Val de Loire region, the Sancerre Trail showcases the Sancerre region and the village of Sancerre. Runners will be able to compete in three races at different levels:

La Démarrante, an 8 km race with 250 meters of positive elevation,

La Fillette, a slightly more technical 15km race with 570 meters of positive elevation,

La Magnum, a 35km race with 1100 meters of positive elevation, dedicated to experienced runners. This year, La Magnum will also become a stage in the Challenge National de Trail, a circuit created by the French Athletics Federation.

There will also be two races for younger runners:

La Remontée, a 3km race for the « Minimes »,

Les P'tits Vitis, for children and teenagers aged 7 to 15.

Finally, a 7.5km Randonnée des Terroirs through the Sancerre vineyards will be available for those who prefer walking. More information on : https://www.trail-de-sancerre.com/

The Lacour Group completes the acquisition of Kepler VO

15^th September 2023 – Saint-Doulchard (18), France

The LACOUR Group, leading French software provider for the automotive after-sales value chain, announced today that it has acquired the company Kepler VO, French software solutions provider for the resale of used vehicles. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This first acquisition is part of a plan aimed at continuing the strategy of diversifying the LACOUR Group's global solution. Supported by the Carlyle Europe Technology Partners (“CETP”) platform, it allows to extend its value proposition to the used vehicle segment, but also to expand its “one stop shop” offering for the automotive after-sales professionals. In order to meet the profitability requirements of the after-sales activity, the objective will also be to implement significant synergies, with the cross-marketing of business modules with high added value through the respective offers of Kepler VO and the LACOUR Group. Founded in 2015 and based in Nantes, Kepler VO has developed a reference web platform dedicated to the management of used vehicle fleets, as well as the monitoring of sales activities and associated administrative and accounting tasks. The company serves more than 500 customers among independent and national networks of used vehicle dealers throughout France. It presents a high-quality revenue model and growth potential thanks to its SaaS (Software as a Service) model. After this first acquisition, the LACOUR Group intends to continue, with the support of CETP, its strategy of external growth and internationalization in order to become the independent leader in its sector in Europe, in a market that is still highly fragmented. The group will continue to rely on its strong investment in R&D and its ability to further assist its customers in their businesses with a complete and innovative offering of value-added services. About Kepler VO Kepler Solutions ("Kepler VO") is a French provider of software solutions dedicated to the resale of used vehicles, founded in Nantes in 2015 by Alain Domguep, its current CEO. Kepler VO has developed a proprietary web platform dedicated to the management of used vehicle fleets, as well as the monitoring of sales activities and associated administrative and accounting tasks. With a base of over 500 customers, Kepler VO includes independent and national networks of used vehicle dealerships. About the LACOUR Group LACOUR Group (“Lacour”) is a leading provider of management software and digital solutions for professionals in the automotive after-sales sector. Founded in 1985 and based in Saint-Doulchard, France, LACOUR has developed a comprehensive software suite including documents management systems, costing solutions and a spare parts database to support the repair process and maintenance of motor vehicles. Today, LACOUR employs more than 300 people across three sites in France and serves more than 6,000 customers consisting of independent auto repair shops and networks of repair shops, car dealerships, glazing specialists, experts, insurers, fleet managers and automotive equipment manufacturers. About the CARLYLE Group The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep sector expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Investment Solutions. With $385 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2023, Carlyle aims to invest responsibly and create value on behalf of its investors, its portfolio companies and the communities in which it lives and invests. The Carlyle Group employs more than 2,200 people in 29 offices across five continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow The Carlyle Group on Twitter @OneCarlyle

Sancerre Trail 2023 : the LACOUR Group renews its partnership

17^th June 2023 - Sancerre (18), France

The LACOUR Group is pleased to be partner of the Sancerre Trail for the second consecutive year. Major sport challenge of the Centre-Val de Loire Region, this race is the opportunity to highlight the Sancerre Terroir and bring people together around sport. The 3 different races of the event will take place on Saturday 17^th June 2023:

La Démarrante, an 8 km race with 250 meters of positive elevation,

La Fillette, a 15 km race with 500 meters of positive elevation,

La Magnum, a 35 km race for experienced runners with 1000 meters of positive elevation.

Two races are also dedicated to the younger ones :

La Remontée, a 2.5 km race with 100 meters of positive elevation for the "Minimes" (teenagers between 14 and 15 years old),

Les P'tits Vitis, for children and teenagers from 7 to 15 years.

For those who prefer to walk, a nice hike of 9 km through the Sancerre vineyards, "La Randonnéee des Terroirs" will be available. More information on : https://www.trail-de-sancerre.com/

Carlyle enters into exclusive negotiations to invest in Groupe Lacour

11 January 2023 – Saint-Doulchard (18), France

Global investment firm Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) announced today that it has entered into exclusive negotiations to acquire a majority stake in Groupe Lacour (“Lacour”), a leading French software provider for the automotive after-sales value chain. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Saint-Doulchard, France, Lacour is a leading provider of software solutions with a comprehensive suite of products supporting vehicle repair and maintenance including document management systems, costing solutions, and parts databases. Lacour has over 300 employees and a diversified customer base of over 6,000 clients comprising independent automotive repair shops and repair shop networks, car dealerships, glazers, claim adjusters, insurers, and fleet managers. It has deep relationships with numerous major automobile brands, paint manufacturers and suppliers and distributors in the sector.
The Carlyle Europe Technology Partners (“CETP”) platform will aim to support Lacour’s growth as a leading one-stop-shop solution provider for the automotive after-sales value chain with the objective of building a category leader at the forefront of innovation. It will do so by partnering with management to further penetrate existing and new market segments, broadening its software suite and complementary product offering, building on Lacour’s R&D initiatives including AI modules and a new SaaS delivery model through products such as Iris and Mosaic, capturing new cross-selling and up-selling opportunities, enhancing commercial best practice across the group, and focusing on international expansion predominantly in Europe.
Angelo Maida, President and CEO at Groupe Lacour, said: “Our business has grown considerably since its founding in 1985 and today has a leading position in the automotive after-sales value chain in France – this is the result of our focus on innovation, and the commitment and hard work of the entire Lacour team. The automotive sector is undergoing changes that require us to constantly innovate for our ecosystem of customers and partners, supporting them in the digitalisation of their operations. In CETP, we believe we have found the perfect partner to help us capture the significant opportunity we see ahead as the sector continues to transform, and to help us grow internationally across the highly fragmented market in Europe. We look forward to working with Cyril Bourdarot and the CETP team on this exciting new chapter for our business.”
Cyril Bourdarot, Managing Director in the CETP investment advisory team, said: “We believe Lacour is an excellent, resilient business with a strong position in the automotive after-sales industry, which is rapidly changing due to the increasing complexity of both motor vehicle fleets and the value chain – through developments such as the continual evolution of car models, the increasing penetration of electric cars, the complexity of repairs, regulations, and supply chain management – as well as the ongoing digitalisation of the sector. Lacour has a range of outstanding software products and deep customer relationships, and we believe it is well-positioned to capture this growth opportunity in France and across Europe. With Carlyle’s experience in the automotive sector and in software and our track record of growing and internationalising high quality independent European businesses, we believe the opportunity to partner with Angelo Maida and the team in a primary deal of this nature is perfectly suited to CETP’s expertise.”
Carlyle has a longstanding track record of investments in the automobile and supporting software sectors including Autoform, Metrologic Group, Axalta, Allison Transmission, United Components Inc., and Tempo Participações. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory and works council approvals. It has been a busy few months for the CETP team, which has recently announced investments in ETC Group, Incubeta, Tescan, and Hack The Box.