Mercedes inks deal with BNP to sell leasing business

Wednesday 29 April 2026 - 11:30

Mercedes-Benz has finalized an agreement to sell its leasing subsidiary Athlon to French banking group BNP Paribas, marking a strategic move to streamline its financial operations and strengthen liquidity.

The German automotive manufacturer confirmed that the transaction was signed in April and is expected to be completed in the second half of the year, pending regulatory approval. Although the financial terms were not disclosed, the deal is anticipated to generate several hundred million euros in liquidity for the company.

Athlon, a major European vehicle leasing provider operating in around 20 countries, was originally acquired by Mercedes-Benz (then Daimler AG) in 2016 for approximately $1.1 billion. The sale reflects the company’s broader strategy to focus more on core automotive activities while optimizing its financial structure.

BNP Paribas, already active in the mobility leasing sector through its subsidiary Arval, is expected to strengthen its position in the European leasing market with this acquisition.

According to Mercedes-Benz’s finance leadership, the transaction is also expected to positively impact cash flow in 2026, supporting the group’s long-term financial flexibility.