Knockmore brothers’ business acquired in €9.5m deal
The Knockmore brothers, Mick and Ciarán Crean, have sold their business, Micksgarage, to Alliance Automotive Group UK & Ireland in a deal reportedly worth €9.5 million, after 23 years in operation.
A business founded and built by two Knockmore brothers has been acquired in a deal reportedly worth €9.5 million.
Micksgarage was recently acquired by Alliance Automotive Group UK & Ireland (AAG), a subsidiary of New York Stock Exchange-listed global automotive parts company Genuine Parts Company (GPC), following 23 years in business.
Founded in 2003, Micksgarage began when Mick Crean returned from Australia and found himself unemployed. Mick taught himself how to develop and test software using a technology textbook, ultimately building the company’s original website.
His twin brother, Ciarán, joined the business shortly afterwards to help scale the company. While Mick focused on the technical side of the business as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Ciarán took responsibility for its commercial development and operations as Chief Executive.
Writing on LinkedIn, Mick Crean, Founder, Operations Director and CTO, spoke of his sadness at leaving MicksGarage after 23 years.
“It’s with great sadness that last Wednesday was mine and Ciaran’s last day in MicksGarage after 23 years. It’s difficult to put into words how that feels when your life has revolved around it, and it has supported everything I have done from mortgage to kids football to schooling and everything in between.”
Mick said he believes Micksgarage is in good hands under its new ownership, highlighting the level of expertise and experience being brought to the business.
He also thanked the many people who had supported the company throughout its journey, including its employees, family and friends.
The brothers will now turn their attention to WaveOMS, a warehouse management and pick-and-pack software platform they developed during their years running Micksgarage.
“We will now concentrate on WaveOMS, our unique warehouse management and pick-pack software that we developed over the years,” Crean concluded.
Speaking about the acquisition, Lewis Selby, Managing Director of NAPA Auto Parts, said he was delighted to welcome Micksgarage.com and its colleagues to AAG.
“Their strong e-commerce platform, customer focus, and established position in Ireland make them a strong addition to the AAG family. This acquisition strengthens our digital capabilities and supports our ambition to offer customers across the Irish automotive aftermarket even greater choice, convenience, and access to quality parts.”