Dragon2000 sale to Lacour strengthens position in DMS market

Dealer management system developer Dragon2000 has been sold to France-based Lacour Group.

Northamptonshire-based Dragon2000, which has grown from its inception in 1995 into a major player in the UK’s automotive DMS market, partnering more than 1,000 car dealers including Williams Automobiles, also specialises in car dealer websites, garage software and used car dealer software solely for the retail motor trade.

Its acquirer Lacour Group, based in Saint-Doulchard in France, has been providing digital solutions for the automotive aftersales sector since it was founded in 1985, including workshop and bodyshop management systems and a parts database.

Dragon2000’s founder and managing director Mark Cooper said: "Joining forces with Lacour is an exciting accomplishment for Dragon2000. Our shared vision of providing leading aftersales software solutions to the automotive sector makes this partnership a natural fit.

"The scale of the combined business offers a range of opportunities in terms of both the suite of products available to our customers as well as the service we are able to provide them."

Lacour Group, which itself sold a majority stake to global investment firm Carlyle in 2023, will support Dragon2000 to continue its growth trajectory in the UK.

Angelo Maida, Lacour Group's chief executive, said: "This acquisition is a major step forward for us, enabling entry into the dynamic UK market. We’re excited about the opportunities to grow our presence and introduce our innovative solutions to a wider audience.

"Together, we will continue to focus on innovation, product-led growth, and further integrating AI into our product suite to enhance value for our customers."

Advisor Cooper Parry has worked closely with Dragon2000’s founder and managing director Mark Cooper for several years, culminating in the acquisition which helps Lacour secure a strategic cross-border growth potential.

Mark Cooper said: “The Cooper Parry deal team worked tirelessly to negotiate and deliver an excellent transaction for us as shareholders and for our dedicated management team. Their sector expertise and partner-led approach provided invaluable support throughout the process.”

David Kendrick, head of automotive at Cooper Parry, commented: “Having known the business for a long time and worked with Mark Cooper, we see fantastic synergies between Dragon2000 and Lacour. We’re confident the combined business will thrive in the future.”