Automaster, the Finnish dealer management system supplier, has bought a 70% share of KBA Computer Systems for an undisclosed fee and is ready for aggressive expansion in the UK and Europe.

There is an option for Automaster to buy the remaining 30% by 2009.

Graham Goodchild, managing director of Automaster UK, says: “Our strength is having a true Windows-based DMS, rather than some who use software to emulate Windows. This is why GM has endorsed us in the UK and we will announce further progress soon.”

One of the attractions of KBA for Automaster was its association with Sage which began a decade ago. Goodchild was previously director of KBA Computer Systems. It is one of three systems adopted by Vauxhall.

“The Automaster DMS has more than 20 installations in the UK and Ireland, and is operating in more than 1,000 dealerships globally,” says Goodchild. “It is strong in managing large multi-franchise dealer groups.”