Prosus Eyes Mobile.de as German Auto Marketplace Gains Buzz

The German online auto marketplace Mobile.de is catching the eyes of investors as its owners consider a partial sale or IPO next year. Dutch technology investor Prosus has reportedly expressed early-stage interest, signaling growing competition in Europe’s used-car classifieds sector.

Germany’s largest automotive platform, Mobile.de, is currently under the ownership of private equity giants Permira and Blackstone, who acquired it from Norway’s Adevinta in 2023. With a market valuation potentially reaching €10 billion ($11.66 billion), the platform is attracting multiple bids and IPO speculation.

Sources indicate that Prosus might pursue a bid through its classifieds arm OLX, adding to the growing list of interested investors that includes EQT, Cinven, and Apax. While no formal sale process has begun, the market buzz reflects Mobile.de’s strategic position in the European auto sector.

This move follows Prosus’ recent purchase of French used-car platform La Centrale for €1.1 billion, marking a clear expansion into Europe’s automotive marketplace. Meanwhile, Permira and Blackstone are restructuring Mobile.de, having already sold its Spanish unit to EQT and its Austrian business Willhaben to a consortium of investors.

With the European online auto market heating up, the interest from multiple investment firms highlights the sector’s growing appeal and potential for consolidation, even as the IPO plans for Mobile.de remain the primary path forward.