Will US Ownership Change Car Care Plan’s Role in UK Vehicle Warranties?

Deal Overview – A Definitive Agreement in Place

Car Care Plan, recognised as the UK’s number one provider of motor warranty, has entered a ‘definitive agreement’ with New‑York‑based ANV Group. The transaction is slated to close by the end of September, provided all standard closing conditions are satisfied.

Who Is ANV Group?

ANV Group operates as an insurance intermediary in the United States. Its strategy centres on partnering with managing general agents (MGAs) in attractive markets to build scaled platforms. The acquisition of Car Care Plan aligns directly with this approach, adding a robust warranty franchise to its global portfolio.

What the Acquisition Means for UK Dealerships

Founded in 1976, Car Care Plan supplies vehicle warranties, asset‑protection products and after‑sales support to more than 2,500 UK car dealers and 30 manufacturers. The company also serves customers in roughly 100 countries, illustrating a truly international footprint.

Executives say the deal will help position Car Care Plan as a ‘scaled player in the global vehicle warranty market’ while preserving its existing brand name. For UK dealers, this translates to continued access to the same warranty products, underwriting methodology and customer‑service standards they have relied on for decades.

Retention of Management and Core Services

The current management team, led by CEO Ben Russell, will remain in place after the transaction. This continuity extends to customer relationships, product suites and the underwriting partnership with AmTrust, which will stay on board as the firm’s underwriting partner.

Subsidiary Portfolio and Additional Capabilities

The deal also brings a range of subsidiaries from the US, Europe, Turkey and China under the ANV umbrella. Notably, British‑based Dent Wizard Ventures – a specialist in mobile bodywork, paint and alloy‑wheel refurbishment – will become part of the wider group.

Strategic Quotes from Leadership

Adam Karkowsky, chairman and CEO of ANV, described Car Care Plan as a “best‑in‑class franchise with deep and long‑standing OEM and dealer relationships, and differentiated underwriting, claims, and administration capabilities that are difficult to replicate.” He added that the acquisition is “fully aligned with ANV’s strategy of partnering with MGAs in attractive markets, establishing a scaled platform in the warranty vertical.”

Ben Russell echoed the sentiment, stating that the move marks “an exciting new chapter for Car Care Plan.” He highlighted ANV’s long‑term investment approach, capital strength and global platform as ideal catalysts to accelerate growth while preserving the brand, service quality and relationships that customers know today.

Broader Industry Context – A Tough M&A Landscape

The announcement arrives at a time when industry experts describe the UK automotive mergers and acquisitions market as “as tough as it has been in ten years.” While the financial terms of the Car Care Plan transaction have not been disclosed, the deal is being watched closely as a potential bellwether for cross‑border activity in the sector.

For dealers, the key takeaway is stability. The acquisition promises to safeguard existing warranty offerings while providing the backing of a larger, financially robust owner able to invest in future product development and market expansion.

Next Steps for Dealers and Consumers

Stakeholders should anticipate a smooth transition, given the commitment to retain senior leadership and maintain the Car Care Plan brand. Dealers can expect continued support from the existing underwriting partner, AmTrust, and ongoing access to the suite of warranty and asset‑protection solutions that have become integral to their after‑sales strategies.

As the deal moves toward its September completion, the Car Care Plan team will likely communicate any operational updates, ensuring that dealers remain fully informed throughout the process.