QUBE Automotive Ltd

A specialist provider of data, reporting and marketing systems to international vehicle manufacturers

QUBE was founded in 2010 and is a highly regarded provider of software solutions to international vehicle manufacturers in the UK and mainland Europe for their aftersales, trade and purchase requirements, as well as bespoke development and consultancy services.

The company holds a prominent position and strong market share within its sector, maintaining strong relationships with numerous multinational clients.

Operating across all areas of the automotive market, QUBE’s specialists have a deep understanding of the challenges faced by manufacturers and dealers in a highly competitive industry. This enables the provision of high-quality, reliable and effective business intelligence data, and web-based marketing and reporting systems.

 “QUBE is an excellent addition to our growing portfolio in the UK and Ireland and strengthens our offering for the automotive vertical. Through the acquisition of QUBE, we now have a solution for vehicle manufacturers that focuses on improving the efficiency of their operations.”

Jasper Bollen, General Manager, TSS

Advising on strategic partnership, negotiating terms and managing due diligence

The client instructed KBS as they were keen to divest and partner with an acquirer to grow the business in the future.

QUBE presented an ideal opportunity for its range of services to be integrated into an organisation’s existing portfolio, with the company’s Directors having identified potential growth areas which included geographical expansion across Europe; forming relationships with different vehicle manufacturers; and expanding its workforce of skilled analysts.

A team led by Joe Norris, KBS Associate Corporate Director, advised QUBE through the entire process, with legal services provided by fellow K3 Advisory Group company K3 Law.

As well as helping to negotiate thetransaction, KBS assisted with corporate finance services such as preparing Net Working Capital analysis and managing the due diligence process.

“Fantastic service from Joe Norris and the team at KBS. From our initial discussions through to completion of sale. Highly recommended.”

Seamus O’Donnell on KBS Corporate’s service

Dutch vertical market software group selected following competitive interest

Several interested parties submitted offers but TSS, a Dutch-based vertical market software firm, emerged as the outstanding candidate, given their experience of acquiring and running technology-led businesses as part of their group.

Agreement of the overall price was comparatively straightforward, although a considerable amount of work went into negotiating and agreeing the structure and timings of payments.

The clients praised the calmness we exhibited in pressurised situations and our help in keeping the acquisition process on track throughseveral issues that arose.

“To move forward with our growth strategy, we needed backing from a large company. We found that in TSS.

“Not only is TSS a perpetual owner, meaning it buys once and holds forever, but it also believes in the value of growing companies that are close to their clients and can quickly anticipate market changes.”

Seamus O’Donnell, Managing Director, QUBE

Strengthening TSS’s European automotive software portfolio

TSS is an international provider of IT business solutions which consists of independent business units that deliver products and services to their specific vertical market segments.

The acquisition expanded TSS’ automotive portfolio in Europe to six companies, attracted by Qube’s strong emphasis on staying close to its clients, providing innovative, bespoke web-based reporting and marketing systems, automotive consultancy, and data management solutions to vehicle manufacturers across the UK and mainland Europe. 

TSS is part of Topicus.com Inc., a public company listed on the Canadian TSX Venture Exchange. In turn, Topicus.com Inc. is part of the ecosystem of Constellation Software Inc. (CSI), a global provider of vertical business solutions.

“Through the acquisition, we are now part of an international group with around 10,000 colleagues who share knowledge and best practices.

“This will give us new insights into this changing landscape, which we can apply to our domain and continue to offer our clients innovative, high-value software and services.

“We look forward to learning and applying TSS’s best practices, and being part of a large software group that allows QUBE to set the benchmark for quality and efficiency in our market.”

Matt Seymour, Technical Director, QUBE