Major Shift in Nordic IAM Market as Key Players Consolidate
7 Apr 2025
Broman Group, one of Finland's largest family-owned companies, is expanding its influence in the Nordic independent automotive aftermarket (IAM) distribution network.
Valentina Ahlavuo, editor-in-chief of Finnish automotive magazines and Gateway correspondent, writes about how the IAM landscape in Finland is being reshaped by strategic mergers.
The group has acquired AD FIN, the Finnish partner of ADI International and integrated it into its IAM network, Varaosamaailma - a move that strengthens Broman Group’s role within AD International. At the same time, Finntest, a leading Finnish workshop equipment dealer, was also merged into Varaosamaailma as part of the group’s growth strategy.
Varasomaailma acquires AD FIN and mergers Finntest
AD Varaosamaailma (Finnish for Spare Parts World) has been a Finnish distributor of AD International since the 1980s. The company is part of the Finnish Broman Group. The integration of AD FIN into Varaosamaailma Oy has strengthened Broman Group's position in the Finnish aftermarket. The acquisition of AD FIN Oy, which is responsible for the development of the AD brand and the AD workshop chain in Finland, resulted in full ownership of the Finnish AD chain by Varaosamaailma Oy.
Broman Group's position at IAM strengthened
"Varaosamaailma is developing as the most diversified provider of IAM spare parts and workshop services in Finland. Deliveries to existing customers will continue without interruption. The full ownership of AD FIN Oy will significantly strengthen Broman Group's competitiveness in the automotive aftermarket of Finland," comments Broman Group.
"AD Varaosamaailma’ spare parts retailership offer a wide range of spare parts and quality customer service to all existing members of the AD chain in Finland as well as other local automotive workshops. Varaosamaailma offers a complete range of parts and workshop products for the Finnish car fleet," says Arto Palsio, Managing Director of Varaosamaailma.
Arto Palsio joined Broman Group in summer 2024 from Ramirent Finland Oy, bringing nearly 8 years of management experience. He has a strong background in sales, marketing, and strategic growth execution.
Finntest as part of Varaosamaailma
Broman Group has also made another strategic move to strengthen its position as a supplier to the automotive aftermarket and to expand the Group's workshop services. Finntest Oy, a company focused on high-quality workshop machines and equipment, was merged into Varaosamaailma in the spring of 2025. In 2024, Finntest Oy's sales amounted to EUR 4.6 million.
Founded in 1984, Finntest will continue to operate under the same name. The merger will not change the product and service portfolio: customers will continue to have access to a comprehensive range of workshop equipment from cranes to diagnostics, as well as full lifecycle services from design to installation and from maintenance to recycling. Finntest's team will continue to be supported by Varaosamaailma's nationwide sales network.
Varaosamaailma’s increasing position within AD International
With the integration, Varaosamaailma will play an increasingly important role in the AD International network. The chain's massive joint purchases are reflected in a particularly comprehensive range of spare parts, car accessories, accessories and tools, as well as competitive prices throughout the range. Varaosamaailma's business potential will grow significantly as its influence within the international AD chain increases.
Numbers and facts
Broman Group in numbers In the previous financial year, Broman Group's sales increased by 3.7% to EUR 483.3 (466.0) million, while operating profit grew by 31.1% to EUR 32.6 million. During the financial year, the Group employed an average of 1 809 (1 780) people.
Varaosmaailma in numbers Varaosamaailma Oy, which employs around 200 professionals in 42 locations, had sales of EUR 55.3 (48.6) million in 2024. AD Varaosamaailma's latest locations in Finland were opened at the beginning of 2025 in Lohja, Pori, Imatra and Lahti.
Facts about AD FIN OY AD FIN Oy, founded in 1984 and acting as the central administration of AD Auto Repair Finland, was jointly owned by Finnish companies. The Broman Group was the largest shareholder (65%) and among the founding members of the company. AD FIN Oy, which operates a chain of over 200 workshops, has been previously owned by Hessumobiili, Kiviniityn Auto, AD-Turku, Alkuperäistuonti, Rauma Varaosahalli, Lahti Varaosaexpert, Tarvikekolmio, Imatra Varaosakeskus, Vakka-Suomen Varaosakeskus and Varaosarinki Oy. In 2024, AD Fin Oy, acting as a central administrator, had sales of more than EUR 2 million.
Facts about AD INTERNATIONAL Founded in 1970, AD International is an international trading group. ADI operates in 41 countries in Europe, North Africa and Central Asia. The group has 23 partner companies. The chain is one of the largest customers of almost all European car parts manufacturers. ADI's 425 dealers form a total distribution network of approximately 3,500 points of sale. Varaosamaailma Oy has been part of the international ADI network since the 1980s.
Valentina Ahlavuo
Publisher of RVK Uutiset, EV FINLAND, and automediat.com
Covering news and events across Northern Europe for Gateway, with a focus on the Independent Aftermarket, electric vehicles, workshops, and tire retail in Scandinavia. Well-connected in the Nordic auto scene and always up for networking.
