Copart Acquires Five Additional Facilities in the U.K.

Copart UK Ltd. has agreed to acquire D Hales Limited, a Bristol, U.K.-based vehicle salvage disposal company with five auction and auto parts facilities in the United Kingdom. The locations are in Bristol, Bedford, Colchester, Gainsborough and Luton. Prior to this acquisition Copart owned 13 auction and auto parts facilities in the UK and 147 facilities throughout the world. The acquisition is expected to be complete on Jan. 22, 2010.

Copart UK provides vehicle suppliers with remarketing services to buyers in more than 94 countries. Copart UK manages vehicle remarketing for businesses in the automotive and insurance sectors, handling everything from motorcycles and cars to trucks and RVs.

Once a vehicle has been deemed a total loss, Copart UK collects it, transfers it to one of their facilities and takes digital images of it for its online auction. Copart UK may also take it to one of their self-service auto parts facilities or crushing locations.

“The purchase of D Hales Limited demonstrates Copart’s continuing investment within the UK,” says Nigel Paget, Copart UK managing director. “It enables us to expand our UK presence by building on our international footprint and adding much needed capacity in response to current and expected business growth in the UK. This acquisition also adds to Copart’s efficiencies, reducing transportation costs and further reducing our carbon footprint.”