Hogan Lovells advises Ford on New Fleet Management Business in Europe with ALD Automotive

The new company, which will be called Ford Fleet Management, will see both parties collaborate to develop the capabilities to provide a competitive integrated leasing and fleet management offer. Both commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles will be offered by Ford Fleet Management through Ford’s dealer network as well as through direct contact, and via digital platforms.

Ford Fleet Management will leverage both parties’ deep understanding of customers, product and mobility services, as well as an extensive dealer network, to deliver the ambition of best-in-class vehicle uptime. Ford brings product expertise and connected vehicle capability to this partnership and ALD Automotive brings global scale and know-how in full-service leasing and fleet management.

Ford Fleet Management will begin operating in the UK by the Autumn, subject to approval by the relevant authorities. It is intended that other selected markets will follow later.

This new initiative deepens a long-standing relationship in which ALD Automotive has been providing Ford Lease Services for more than 15 years in Europe.

The Hogan Lovells team was led by London-based corporate M&A partner Sarah Shaw, supported by, amongst others, Financial Institutions Sector Global Head, Sharon Lewis, and Antitrust/Competition partner, Mark Jones.

Commenting on the transaction, Sarah said "We are honoured to have advised Ford on this strategic European transaction, which demonstrates our ability to advise on complex legal and regulatory issues across jurisdictions and practices, working seamlessly alongside our client's legal and business teams".