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Genuine Parts Company, the automotive and industrial parts distributor that operates NAPA Auto Parts stores and Motion Industries, has reportedly reached a settlement with activist investor Elliott Investment Management following the firm’s acquisition of more than $1 billion stake in the company.
The agreement, announced on September 4, 2025, makes Elliott the largest active shareholder in the Atlanta-headquartered company with a roughly $19 billion market value. The settlement includes the immediate appointment of two new directors with expertise in industrial distribution and technology leadership, positioning the company for enhanced operational performance as it undergoes a strategic review.
Elliott Focused on Unlocking GPC Shareholder Value Through Operational Improvements
The settlement brings Courtney Carruthers, former president and CEO of TricorBraun, and Matt Carey, former chief information officer at Home Depot, to Genuine Parts’ board as independent directors. These appointments replace retiring directors Robert Loudermilk and John Holder, maintaining the board size at 12 directors while significantly refreshing leadership expertise. Over the past 16 months, five newcomers have joined the board while six directors have retired, representing a substantial governance transformation.
Elliott partner Marc Steinberg led the engagement with Genuine Parts management, focusing on unlocking shareholder value through operational improvements rather than evaluating a potential sale.
The agreement includes an information-sharing arrangement that will facilitate continued dialogue between Elliott and company leadership. Details about the strategic review and future plans are expected to be announced at an investor day planned for next year, providing stakeholders with clearer visibility into the company’s transformation roadmap.
GPC Stock Climbs on News of Elliott Settlement
Genuine Parts stock climbed 2% on Thursday following the settlement announcement, representing a 3.57% gain from the previous close of $136.27.
The stock has gained almost 20% since January 2025 but remains undervalued compared to peers as well as industrial distribution peers, including Fastenal, Grainger, and Applied Industrial Technologies. The company’s current market capitalization of approximately $19.6 billion reflects its position as a significant player in both the automotive aftermarket and industrial distribution sectors.
Founded in 1928, Genuine Parts operates through two main segments: the Automotive Parts Group, which distributes replacement parts globally primarily under the NAPA brand, and Motion Industries, providing engineered parts and services to manufacturing and industrial sectors primarily in the United States.
The company’s strategic review aims to boost operational performance and profitability while enhancing shareholder value, with Elliott’s investment thesis centered on the belief that the current share price does not reflect the true value of these complementary business segments.
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