OLX Group, part of global internet giant Prosus, is set to acquire La Centrale, France’s leading auto classifieds platform, in a deal worth €1.1 billion.
With this deal, OLX enters Western Europe’s automobile industry for the first time, and Prosus increases its presence there. Its 350,000 vehicle listings and 4.5 million monthly visitors make La Centrale a major French used automobile market player.
La Centrale acquisition strengthens OLX’s European motorsport reach
This deal allows OLX, which operates classifieds in multiple categories across Central and Eastern Europe, to enter the French automotive sector directly.
“La Centrale’s position in the French market and its leadership team made it a strong addition to our classifieds portfolio,” said Christian Gisy, OLX’s CEO.
Following a standard employee consultation process, the acquisition is anticipated to be finalised by 2025.
According to senior managing directors at Providence Equity Partners, the previous owner, La Centrale, has experienced a compound annual revenue growth of 12% as it transitions from a traditional listings site to a tech-driven platform.
Prosus deepens European e-commerce presence with AI focus in France
Fabricio Bloisi, Prosus’s CEO, emphasised that this acquisition enhances the company’s European e-commerce ecosystem.
He added that Prosus plans to “increase investment in artificial intelligence technology” within France, leveraging La Centrale’s local expertise alongside OLX’s AI-driven marketplace capabilities.
La Centrale’s CEO Philippe Chainieux expressed enthusiasm about combining forces, highlighting that the partnership will accelerate platform development and continue delivering valued services to French dealers and consumers.
This transaction is a significant move for OLX and Prosus as they expand their e-commerce presence by integrating a well-established brand in an important European market.
It also signals growing confidence in technology-driven automotive classifieds as part of the evolving digital commerce landscape. The deal expands OLX’s presence into Western Europe’s competitive vehicle sector, with millions monthly users in eight countries.