Introduction
OLX Group, the classifieds arm of Prosus, agreed on Sept. 26, 2025 to acquire French online car marketplace La Centrale for €1.1 billion ($1.3 billion) in cash, expanding OLX’s footprint into Western Europe and strengthening Prosus’s auto classifieds and ecommerce strategy. Prosus said the deal is expected to close by year-end, subject to routine employee consultations and regulatory review.
The acquisition brings a well-established French auto classifieds brand into OLX’s network and follows Prosus’s recent push to scale its European ecommerce portfolio. Prosus CEO Fabricio Bloisi said the group plans to invest further in AI tools and local growth to boost dealer and consumer services in France.
OLX buys La Centrale for €1.1 billion to expand into French auto classifieds
Prosus — the Amsterdam-listed investor that owns OLX and is majority-owned by South Africa’s Naspers — described La Centrale as a market-leading motors classifieds platform in France. Providence Equity Partners, La Centrale’s seller, said the sale is an all-cash transaction and will help OLX “grow highly profitable marketplaces using best-in-class AI and tools trusted by dealers and consumers.” Closing is expected by year-end.
Industry sources note the deal is OLX’s first major entry into Western Europe, complementing its established presence in Central and Eastern Europe and parts of Latin America. With roughly 29 million monthly users across its marketplaces in several countries, OLX is positioning itself to compete with local incumbents in higher-value auto classifieds.
Why the La Centrale acquisition matters for Prosus and OLX
La Centrale gives OLX immediate scale in France’s auto classifieds market, a sector where local brand trust and dealer relationships are key. Experts say buying an established vertical platform is faster and less risky than building market share from scratch. For Prosus, the transaction accelerates plans to create a European ecommerce ecosystem spanning food delivery, marketplaces and specialized listings.
Prosus reported a sharp rise in ecommerce adjusted core earnings earlier in 2025 and sees the car classifieds sector as profitable and data-rich — useful for AI services such as price valuation, leads and dealer matching. “I expect to invest more in AI technology in France,” CEO Fabricio Bloisi said in the company statement.
Financial and strategic details
- Price and terms: €1.1 billion in cash; expected close by year-end, subject to standard approvals.
- Seller: Providence Equity Partners; Kirkland & Ellis advised Providence on the deal.
- Strategy: OLX intends to integrate La Centrale’s listings, dealer relationships and tech stack while injecting AI and operational support from Prosus’s wider group.
Market reaction and competitive impact
Analysts say the deal could trigger consolidation in Europe’s auto classifieds market as global marketplace operators target high-margin verticals. French dealers may benefit from better digital tools and more competitive lead flows, while consumers could see improved listings and valuation features powered by AI. However, regulators will watch for competition impacts in local markets.
For Prosus investors, the buyout leverages OLX’s existing tech and regional scale to enter a Western European market with steady car volumes and recurring dealer spend. The move also aligns with Prosus’s broader plan to blend marketplaces with AI-driven commerce services across Europe.
Risks and what to watch next
Key risks include regulatory approvals, the outcome of employee consultation processes in France, and the integration challenge of migrating data and dealer processes without service disruption. Watch for announcements about layoffs, platform migration timelines, and how OLX prices dealer services post-close. Market watchers will also look for follow-on acquisitions as Prosus builds scale.
Verdict
The OLX–La Centrale deal is a bold step by Prosus to enter Western Europe’s valuable auto classifieds space quickly. With €1.1 billion on the table and AI investments promised, the acquisition positions OLX to challenge incumbents — but success will depend on smooth integration and regulatory clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will OLX pay for La Centrale?
OLX will acquire La Centrale for €1.1 billion in cash (about $1.3 billion). The transaction is expected to close by year-end, subject to employee consultation and regulatory approvals.
Who is selling La Centrale?
Providence Equity Partners agreed to sell La Centrale. Kirkland & Ellis advised Providence on the sale.
Why is this important for OLX and Prosus?
The deal gives OLX instant scale in France’s auto classifieds market and supports Prosus’s strategy to build a European ecommerce ecosystem with AI-driven services.
Will the acquisition affect French car dealers?
Dealers may gain access to improved digital tools and lead generation services, but terms and pricing depend on OLX’s post-integration plans.
When will the deal close?
Prosus expects to close the transaction by the end of 2025, pending standard approvals and consultations.
Author note: I’m a technology and ecommerce reporter. This article uses Reuters, the seller and buyer press releases and public filings. Deal size, timing and quotes are taken from official statements and trusted reporting; where integration details are pending, I used cautious language. I will update if Prosus or Providence publish further details.
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