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TowerBrook and Warburg Pincus acquire majority stake in AA

17 April 2025
Punchline
The AA, a leading automotive services provider, has reported impressive financial results for FY25, marking its fourth consecutive year of growth. The company, primarily owned by TowerBrook Capital Partners and Warburg Pincus, attributes its success to a significant transformation and modernization strategy.

With a membership base of 14 million, the AA has seen a surge in new customers, adding 300,000 and generating £16.3 million in revenue. Total revenue increased by 12% to £1.45 billion, while net revenue rose 8% to £1.21 billion. Adjusted EBITDA also grew by 6% to £450 million, and operating profit surged 28% to £245 million, driven by strong performance and the absence of prior year costs.

In FY25, AA patrols handled 3.5 million breakdowns, the highest in the UK, and customer satisfaction improved, reflected in a Trustpilot score of 4.6. The company reduced its net debt to £1.9 billion from £2.2 billion, paying off £174 million in gross debt, including £155 million from a previous transaction.

Emphasizing digital innovation, the AA reported that over 1 million breakdown incidents were managed through speech-free technology, with 50% of eligible members utilizing this service. The company is also expanding its retail offerings through a partnership with NatWest Boxed, enhancing its product range for personal breakdown and insurance customers.

Looking ahead, the AA is preparing for the electric vehicle (EV) transition, with nearly all patrols trained to level 2 EV readiness. CEO Jakob Pfaudler highlighted FY25 as a breakout year, noting the company's improved financial health and reduced leverage. He expressed optimism about the future, indicating a shift from transformation to expansion, with ongoing customer and EBITDA growth.

Despite the positive results, Pfaudler acknowledged that investors see potential for further development and did not dismiss the possibility of a future sale or exit. The AA plans to enhance its app for EV users by adding chargepoint mapping, addressing concerns about the transition to electric vehicles.

Overall, the AA's strong performance and strategic initiatives position it well for continued growth in the automotive services sector.
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consumer
automotive services
breakdown assistance
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