Solera buying software firm Autodata

WESTLAKE, Texas (Jan. 4, 2017) — Solera Holdings Inc., developer of "Identifix" auto repair industry software, is buying Autodata Ltd., a provider of technical information and knowledge solutions for the automotive service, maintenance and repair industry.

Maidenhead, England-based Autodata has evolved since its founding in 1975 from publishing do-it-yourself manuals for car enthusiasts and garages to delivering digital cloud-based diagnostics and repair intelligence for professional mechanics, according to Solera.

Today Autodata's solutions — powered by data from 136 vehicle manufacturers covering over 40,000 models worldwide — are used by more than 90,000 repair shops in over 40 countries, Solera said.

"The acquisition of Autodata will not only complement our expanding/existing suite of digital SMR solutions, such as Identifix and Inpart," Solera Founder, Chairman and CEO Tony Aquila said, "but will also accelerate the expansion of Solera's asset-protection and risk-management solutions in emerging and maturing markets across the globe."

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Westlake-based Solera has been owned since 2014 by Bowmark Capital and Rothschild & Co.'s Five Arrows Principal Investments.

"Throughout a car's life, there are over 54 transactions that occur between motorists and automotive businesses," Mr. Aquila said. "One of Solera's missions is to digitize the vehicle ownership ecosystem by developing cognitive applications that not only power connectivity and engagement, but also proliferate awareness and transparency across the entire automotive lifecycle."

As technology continues to drive complex automotive designs, Solera said, vehicle repair shops are in need of sophisticated digital solutions that can enable and sustain efficient aftermarket operations with the highest levels of customer satisfaction.

"Today's motorists expect automotive service professionals not only to understand every vehicle make and model, but also to provide a faster and more accurate service at highly competitive prices," Autodata CEO Rod Williams said.

"Joining the Solera family will not only amplify Autodata's ability to meet the growing needs of the industry, but will also provide our customers and partners with access to Solera's highly innovative mindset and forward-thinking solutions."

Since its inception in 2005 as a garage-based startup, Solera has grown with more than 40 acquisitions across its risk management solutions, service maintenance and repair (SMR) and customer retention management platforms.

Among the company's product solutions are Audatex, AutoPoint, CAP/HPI, Digidentity, Enservio, Explore Data, Hollander, Identifix, Inpart, LYNX and TitleTec, as well as the company's flagship Digital Garage application.

"Vehicles are not only being driven longer than ever before, but are becoming more technologically advanced and digitally sophisticated," Mr. Aquila said.

"The SMR industry must be prepared to manage this evolution in mobility with the right mindset, equipment and training. Solera's integration of Autodata will accelerate delivery of the data and software that the global SMR marketplace needs today, as well as the innovative technologies and solutions that the industry will need tomorrow."

Solera processes more than 240 million transactions annually for approximately 200,000 partners and customers in 80-plus countries. The company is privately owned by an investors consortium that includes Vista Equity Partners, Koch Industries and Goldman Sachs.