The Point S Banner Pursues Nation-wide
Expansion
MONTREAL, May 2, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Unimax Ltd.
("Unimax"), a leading Canadian tire wholesaler, distributor
and franchisor of well-known banners, including Point S Canada, has
secured significant funding from new partner National Bank Private
InvestmentTM ("NBPI") to fuel its nation-wide
growth plan. The National Bank SME Growth Fund, L.P., which is
managed by NBPI, and an investment vehicle with funds raised from
investor clients of the National Bank group, will acquire the
equivalent of a 30% equity stake in the company. The partnership
with NBPI has made it possible for Unimax to acquire 100% of the
shares of Distribution Stox Inc., a last-mile distribution company
and a key distributor for Unimax.
With combined annual revenues of approximately $600 million and a network of more than 875
licensed points of sale, including the globally recognized and
high-growth Point S banner, the Boucherville, Quebec-based company is the
market leader in Quebec and is one
of the largest players in Canada.
With a strong balance sheet, Unimax can pursue its accelerated
growth plan, notably through acquisitions in the Canadian
market.
"Thanks to the commitment of its 450 employees, independent
retailers, and some 60 shareholders, Unimax has achieved sustained
business growth year after year. I am pleased to have been leading
the Unimax team since March and continuing the work started by my
predecessor Bruno Leclair and the
strong team that has brought us to where we are today. Bruno and I
will continue to work together until his retirement on May 31 of this year. The support of a partner
like National Bank Private Investment will enable us to capitalize
on growth opportunities throughout Canada," said Jean
Novak, President and CEO of Unimax. Bruno Leclair will sit on the board of directors
to ensure continuity.
Unimax has over 22 warehouses with a total capacity of close to
2 million tires. It maintains direct relationships with the leading
tire manufacturers, so that its many business partners benefit from
the advantages of group purchasing. Unimax counts independent
retailers, automotive dealerships, and online merchants among its
5,000+ clients. Long-term industry trends like the electrification
of vehicle fleets are strong catalysts for growth.
"The National Bank group is proud to support Unimax and its
growth plan. It's a company that is thriving and contributes to the
economic growth of our many regions. There's no denying that Unimax
is a business success story with many chapters still to be written.
This is thanks in large part to the energy of its employees,
shareholders, and partners who are all strongly committed to Unimax
and its promise to deliver quality that meets the highest
customer-experience standards. They will also be able to count on
our support as a major partner and benefit from our understanding
of the Canadian market to help them serve more communities," said
Luc Ménard, Executive Vice-President, Managing Director and Head of
Private Investments at National Bank.
About Unimax
Founded in 1979 and located in Boucherville, Quebec,
Unimax is a leader in the Canadian tire industry.
The company is a wholesaler, distributor, and representative of a
retail network that offers products to independent retailers and
garages throughout Canada. Unimax
owns the Canadian rights to the internationally recognized Point S
banner and has an exclusive portfolio of 5 complementary banners
that form a network of more than 875 points of sale. The Point S,
Otobox, V1, Méga Pneu and Prestige Tire banners ensure a strong
presence in many regions of Canada.
About National Bank of
Canada
With $367 billion in assets as at January 31, 2022, National Bank of Canada, together with its subsidiaries, forms
one of Canada's leading integrated
financial groups. It has more than 27,000 employees in
knowledge-intensive positions and has been recognized numerous
times as a top employer and for its commitment to diversity. Its
securities are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: NA).
Follow the Bank's activities at nbc.ca or via social media such as
Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
About National Bank Private
Investment
National Bank Investments Inc., using the business name National
Bank Private Investment, manages the National Bank SME Growth Fund,
L.P. National Bank Private Investment (NBPI) is a venture capital
and private equity management company that offers diversified
investment opportunities to a clientele of seasoned investors from
the National Bank network. The capital raised provides support to
growing companies that wish to remain in control of their
development and work with long-term partners. National Bank Private
Investment is a registered trademark of National Bank of
Canada.
SOURCE National Bank of Canada