Major South African company which owns Tiger Wheel & Tyre is being sold

TiAuto Investments announced today, 10 June 2026, that it has entered into an agreement to partner with Marubeni Corporation, a global trading and investment company headquartered in Japan.

The owner of Tiger Wheel & Tyre, TiAuto Investments is one of South Africa’s largest automotive retail and service groups.

Founded in 1967, TiAuto currently operates 161 stores across South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The new agreement with Marubeni marks the end of 10 years of ownership under Old Mutual Private Equity and Carlyle.

It also marks Marubeni’s debut into the African car maintenance market, having already established itself in Asian and Latin American countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Mexico.

The Japanese company evaluates regions where new-car and component sales have grown significantly when determining its expansion plans.

It has been looking to expand into South Africa for several years, having assessed that the country has the largest automotive market.

Additionally, South Africa’s vehicle maintenance market has an annual growth rate of 6%, making it a prime location for investment.

Marubeni stated it will use Thailand’s B-Quick business model in South Africa, which is why it acquired TiAuto.

Unlike its competitors, which operate as franchises, TiAuto works with directly-managed stores.

Marubeni noted that this allows TiAuto to provide high-quality, uniform maintenance services and achieve industry-leading sales per store in South Africa.

Furthermore, the company acknowledged that TiAuto has built a loyal customer base through its wheel repair services, which competitors don’t offer.

The new parent company aims to enhance profitability and brand awareness with new marketing and promotional initiatives to boost customer traffic, all while improving services.

“This Transaction is intended to leverage Marubeni’s expertise and track record to provide high-value-added car maintenance services in the growing African automobile market,” it said.

End of an era

TiAuto will no longer be owned by Old Mutual Private Equity (OMPE) and the American investment firm Carlyle.

The group said that TiAuto is a market leader for automotive parts and services, generating approximately R4.5 billion per year in combined group and franchise sales.

“This exit represents not just the realisation of a successful investment but evidences the power of partnership and the value created through patient, hands-on stewardship,” said Jacci Myburgh of OMPE.

“The management team’s focus on service and operational discipline has set new benchmarks in the industry, and we are confident that Marubeni’s acquisition marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.”

Alex Taplin, Chief Executive Officer of TiAuto Investments, said that Marubeni’s investment is indicative of the brand’s success in South Africa.

“This is an exciting new chapter for TiAuto. We are proud of the business we have built over almost six decades and of the trusted brands, talented people and loyal customers that have contributed to our success,” he said.

“Marubeni’s investment is a strong endorsement of our strategy, our market position and the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Taplin stressed that customers, suppliers, and employees will be unaffected by the takeover and that business will continue as usual.

“Our focus remains firmly on our customers and our people,” he said. 

“By combining TiAuto’s deep understanding of African markets with Marubeni’s global capabilities, we will be well positioned to strengthen our offering, enhance customer experiences and continue investing in the future of our business.”