The proposed deal includes the SMH passenger car business of its Gauteng West retail operations, as well as a portion of the commercial vehicle business. These dealerships will include Mercedes-Benz Sandton, Mercedes-Benz Constantia Kloof, Mercedes-Benz Bryanston and a single commercial vehicles dealership in Roodepoort.

It forms part of MBSA’s implementation of Project FOCUS, which resulted in the spin-off of Daimler Truck AG. The rationale behind the spin-off was to afford Mercedes-Benz Group AG and Daimler Truck AG greater entrepreneurial flexibility and agility, giving it the independence to focus on its strategic direction in respect to electric mobility transformation, improved customer centricity and to unlock their full potential.

Commenting on the proposed disposal, Co-CEO Mercedes-Benz Cars and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, Mark Raine, says: “MBSA’s proposed sale of Sandown Motor Holdings is the next logical step in the growth of our company. A simplified corporate structure will enable MBSA to focus on the next phase of the company’s growth premised on customer centricity and the future focus of passenger cars of Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-EQ brands.”

The sale of SMH remains subject to conditions precedent that must be met by MBSA and the Motus Group. The transaction is also subject to the approval of the relevant competition and regulatory authorities.