Shares of LKQ Corporation (NASDAQ:LKQ) climbed 0.9% on Monday following the company announcement that it has begun a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives, a process that may encompass a sale of the entire firm.
In a statement, LKQ said its Board of Directors is collaborating with outside advisors to evaluate potential options intended to enhance shareholder value. John Mendel, Chairman of the Board, said the effort is aimed at "unlock[ing] value that is not reflected in our current valuation." The company did not elaborate further on valuation metrics or internal targets tied to that objective.
Alongside the new, broader strategic review, LKQ said it remains engaged in the previously announced process to explore a sale of its Specialty segment. That divestiture process is continuing in parallel with the more expansive evaluation of alternatives.
For the strategic review the company has engaged BofA Securities to serve as financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz as legal counsel. LKQ did not provide any timetable for completing the review and emphasized that there is no assurance the process will lead to a transaction or any other particular strategic outcome.
LKQ also stated that it does not intend to provide ongoing updates about the review unless required to do so by law, leaving the market with limited information about the scope and timing of potential actions.
The company operates in North America, Europe and Taiwan, supplying aftermarket, recycled and remanufactured automotive parts to repair and accessorize vehicles. The strategic review and the continued Specialty segment process will be considered against that operating footprint and the companys mix of aftermarket and remanufactured product lines.
Context for investors
The announcement represents a formal, board-led effort to examine a range of strategic options, from divestitures to a possible sale of the entire company. LKQ retained established advisors on both the financial and legal fronts to assist with the review, but the company has provided no deadline and has stated there is no certainty that the review will result in any transaction.