On August 19, 2026, the three co-founders of AUTODOC SE, Alexej Erdle, Max Wegner, and Vitalij Kungel, completed the buy-back of the minority stake held by funds associated with Apollo Global Management. The founders now indirectly hold 100 percent of the Berlin-based online automotive parts retailer through their investment vehicle AutoTech GmbH & Co. KG. Apollo had entered AUTODOC in April 2024 through its Hybrid Value strategy, at an equity valuation of 2.3 billion euros. The purchase price for the share buy-back was not disclosed. The founders financed the transaction with a 530 million euro seven-year Term Loan B placed in July 2026. Following completion, the two Apollo representatives on the Supervisory Board will step down, and the board will comprise the three founders and three independent members. AUTODOC is described as Europe’s leading online retailer of automotive spare parts and accessories.
Sources:
AUTODOC. https://autodoc.group/en/news-room/press-releases/autodoc-and-apollo-funds-successfully-conclude-transformative-partnership/
Private Equity Insights. https://peinsights.substack.com/p/apollo-exits-autodoc-as-founders