The Bundeskartellamt, Germany's Federal Cartel Office, has given the green light for HUK-Coburg Mobilitätsholding GmbH to increase its minority shareholding in Kulas Holding GmbH & Co. KG to 84.9%. Kulas is the sole owner of pitstop.de GmbH, which operates a network of approximately 300 vehicle repair shops across Germany, providing maintenance and repair services for all vehicle brands.

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, stated that while the corporate relationship between HUK and Pitstop will be strengthened through this acquisition, it does not raise any competition concerns. The existing services offered by HUK in vehicle insurance, used vehicle sales, and leasing do not create foreclosure effects on the market for repair services.

Despite HUK's strong position as a vehicle insurer in Germany, the Bundeskartellamt noted that there are still numerous independent car repair chains and manufacturer-approved repair shops available. These alternatives provide options for other insurers, private customers, and used car dealers, ensuring a competitive market landscape. This decision follows the European Commission's approval of HUK's initial investment in Pitstop in August 2022 under a simplified merger control procedure.