Arval Secures EU Approval to Acquire Athlon, Creating €1bn European Leasing Giant

The European Commission cleared Arval's purchase of Athlon, a former Mercedes‑Benz Mobility subsidiary, after a competition review. Analysts estimate the deal is worth more than €1 billion and will add roughly 400,000 vehicles to Arval’s portfolio, raising its global fleet to about 2.3 million and putting it close to market leader Ayvens.

BNP Paribas, the owner of Arval, projects an 18 % return on invested capital and a €200 million profit contribution by the third year, with the impact on its CET1 ratio already factored in. Existing contracts with Athlon customers will remain unchanged, while the combined entity will broaden its mobility services across the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and other European markets.