From Partnership to Acquisition: Emil Frey takes full control of Lens Motor with sell side support from V4G
When Emil Frey Group—Europe’s largest independent automotive distribution company—announced its exclusive collaboration with AB Lens Motor in late 2024, the move marked a notable first: the Swiss group’s entry into the Belgian truck sector. It also reflected the foresight of AB Lens Motor’s shareholders, Benoît Salmin and Alain Jacquart, who sought to secure a long-term future for the business.
With four sites across Wallonia (Bierset, Eupen, Hotton, Fleurus), 83 employees, and a 2022 turnover exceeding €45 million, AB Lens Motor had grown into the dominant independent Renault Trucks dealer in its region, holding a 15% market share in its catchment area. The firm was widely recognized for its strong after-sales service model, 24/7 support structure, and solid client loyalty base—attributes that made it a perfect match for Emil Frey’s expansion strategy.
the acquisition: deal structure and rationale
On March 14, 2025, Emil Frey Group acquired 100% of the shares of AB Lens Motor, finalizing a deal initially prepared and led by Ventures4Growth. Acting on behalf of the sellers, Ventures4Growth coordinated all phases of the process—from memorandum drafting and buyer alignment to negotiation, due diligence coordination, and closing.
Alain Jacquart will continue to lead day-to-day operations, ensuring continuity for customers and employees alike. The buyout includes the fully owned subsidiary Garage du Carrefour and all four operational sites, representing one of the most comprehensive dealership platforms in the region.
The transaction not only secures the legacy of a family-owned business but also positions Emil Frey to scale in the Belgian truck market—leveraging Lens Motor’s strategic locations, diversified revenue streams, and proximity to major logistic hubs like Liège Airport.
a textbook example of strategic succession
For Ventures4Growth, this deal represents a textbook case of successful ownership transition. As founder Chris Raman explains:
This is the kind of entrepreneurial succession that delivers value for everyone involved: the founders, the acquirer, the employees, and the customers. Our role was to ensure that both the spirit and the strategic value of Lens Motor were preserved while securing a strong industrial partner for the next growth chapter.Chris Raman , Ventures4Growth
The sale also illustrates an ongoing trend in the European truck dealership market: consolidation around well-capitalized industrial groups, especially in highly competitive regions. As mid-size family dealers look to secure long-term resilience, structured partnerships with larger players—often facilitated by advisory groups like V4G—are emerging as the preferred path forward.
what’s next
With Emil Frey already active in the truck market through its French stake in Kertrucks, and building strong Belgian traction under the Autosphere brand, the integration of Lens Motor opens new doors. The Walloon sites now form a critical logistics backbone, with potential to scale services, expand rental and leasing models, and elevate Emil Frey’s B2B mobility offer across Belgium.
As for the former shareholders of Lens Motor, their entrepreneurial story comes full circle—with the assurance that the business they built remains in good hands.