BURSON and Autobarn parent company Bapcor Ltd has bought a 25 per cent share in one of eastern Asia’s biggest automotive parts distributors that also has one of the world’s largest parts inventories of top-tier brands.

Tye Soon, based in Singapore and operating since 1933, has an annual revenue of $A195 million from markets in south and north-east Asia and in Australia. It is mainly involved in parts for European prestige brands.

In Australia it has 19 trade-focused outlets under the Imparts name.

Its main markets are Malaysia ($A42m a year in revenue) where it has 15 outlets; South Korea ($A42m) with 20 outlets; and Australia ($A41m) with 20 locations.

Bapcor will pay $A12.2m for the share and will join the board of the publicly listed Tye Soon.

Bapcor managing director and CEO Darryl Abotomey said the investment by his company was complementary.

“The expertise of Bapcor and Tye Soon brings a range of opportunities for both businesses to collaborate and grow their businesses,” he said.

“Tye Soon has particular strengths in genuine parts and aftermarket parts distribution as well as an excellent store network in fast-growing south-east and north-east Asian countries.

“Bapcor will work with Tye Soon to maximise the opportunities to grow their businesses in Asia and Australasia.”

Bapcor’s trade outlets in Australia are Burson Auto Parts, Precision Automotive Equipment and BNT.

By Neil Dowling