Automotive technology solutions firm epyx has substantially expanded its European footprint after parent firm Fleetcor acquired Business Gateway AG (BGAG).

The combined system will handle SMR for over five million company cars, vans and trucks

Founded in 2000, BGAG provides leasing companies operating almost one million vehicles in Germany, Switzerland and eight other European countries with tyre and service, maintenance and repair (SMR) management technology, connecting them to over 25,000 garages and fast-fit centres.

Fleetcor said the synergy between BGAG and the epyx 1link Service Network platform, which provides SMR management in the UK and several other countries, was obvious.

The technology from the two firms will now be integrated to create a combined system that will handle SMR for over five million company cars, vans and trucks.

Aditya Varadpande, managing director for Fleetcor’s European fleet management and payment card businesses, said: “In addition to our existing presences in France, Portugal, Denmark and Ireland, this new acquisition allows us to provide sophisticated digital fleet tyre process technology across almost every major European fleet market. For pan-European leasing companies, we are becoming a potential single point of access for world-leading SMR or tyre management, allowing them to maximise the benefits of digitisation.”

Fleetcor will carry out a programme of long-term investment in BGAG to develop new digital functionality such as online driver booking, connected vehicle data and advanced insight products, while also enhancing cybersecurity and platform stability.

Varadpande said: “We will be enhancing the BGAG product range but this will not be a one-way process. Their tyre management systems especially are highly advanced and will be used to strengthen the epyx product offering.”

The current Business Gateway management team will stay in place to help maximise the benefits of the acquisition and ensure strong continuity of service.

BGAG co-founder Gerald Kurz, said: “I am proud of everything we have achieved at BGAG, from humble beginnings in 2000 to becoming a trusted leasing partner across Europe. Now, combining our expertise with Fleetcor and epyx will allow us to expand our reach and deliver even more value to our customers.

“With our new backing, we will be able to accelerate the development of new products and services, enter new markets and facilitate easy access to a wide range of complementary fleet products and services. It is a new and exciting era for us.”