Dealer software firm in new hands

Auto-IT Pty Ltd, a leading dealer management system (DMS) provider in Australasia, has been taken over by the Perseus Operating Group, which is part of a North American-based company.

Perseus is run by a parent company, Constellation Software, and says the purchase of Auto-IT will help expand its global footprint after already establishing a presence across North America and in the UK.

It notes the move is its 10th acquisition in the dealership software market under the Constellation Dealer Group.

Auto-IT provides services to franchise automotive, agriculture, trucking and construction equipment markets and has been operating for more than 40 years.

Under the deal, announced on March 4, it will retain its headquarters in Melbourne and offices in Sydney, Wellington, India and Southeast Asia as well as its partners in South Africa and Mexico. 

Wayne Rushworth, chief executive officer of Auto-IT, and Aaran Newman, director of sales and marketing, will continue to lead the business in their current roles.

“As shareholders and operators we searched for a strategic partner with a similar value set and culture that will allow Auto-IT to continue to focus on its customers and realise its full potential in the markets it serves,” says Rushworth.

“Perseus’ buy-and-hold strategy and the deep industry experience of the DMS market will allow us to continue to put our customers’ needs first and provide an exceptional opportunity for our staff to flourish in a much larger organisation.”

Sean Raynor, Constellation Dealer Group president, adds: “Auto-IT’s addition to our portfolio will expand our global insight in the industries we already serve and help us innovate in ways we haven’t thought of.”