AutoTrader.com agrees to acquire VinSolutions
AutoTrader.com has signed a definitive agreement to purchase VinSolutions, a leading provider of end-to-end solution platforms for dealers including Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Internet Lead Management (ILM), inventory management tools, dealer websites, sales management and desking tools, social media and direct targeted marketing campaign tools.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The transaction is expected to close by mid-June.
VinSolutions will operate as a subsidiary of AutoTrader.com, and the two companies will collaborate on methods of infusing value into both companies and all of their customers, which will primarily be in the areas of product development, operations and sales.
Because AutoTrader.com and VinSolutions are both committed to the interests of all auto dealers, its software tools will be offered on a flexible a-la-carte and no long-term contract basis, and dealers' will have the flexibility to work with their other software vendors. This is consistent with AutoTrader.com's consultative sales approach to help dealers succeed.
A further priority for AutoTrader.com will be to work to promote open platforms and integration across its software solutions and other dealer software tools. We also will establish policies that provide dealer-friendly data ownership rights to protect dealers' confidential customer data.
Atlanta-based AutoTrader.com, created in 1997, is the Internet's ultimate automotive marketplace and consumer information website.
VinSolutions has the leading "Dealership Marketing System" that helps retailers attract, sell and retain more customers profitably.