AC Schnitzer, the long-running BMW tuning company, is set to change ownership after Dutch automotive group AM Group agreed to acquire the business from its founders, KOHL Automotive. The deal follows an earlier announcement that AC Schnitzer was expected to wind up operations by the end of 2026.

Founded in 1987, AC Schnitzer has developed aftermarket performance components for BMW vehicles for nearly four decades. Its first project was the ACS7, based on the E32-generation 7 Series. The company later expanded its portfolio across much of BMW’s range, while projects including the ACL2, derived from the BMW M240i, and an AC Schnitzer M5 established a presence in Nürburgring lap-record efforts.

New ownership after business pressures

The change comes after AC Schnitzer faced rising operating costs, unreliable supplier conditions and delays associated with Germany’s regulatory approval process. When the closure plan was announced in March, managing director Rainer Vogel also acknowledged that the brand had struggled to recreate the appeal it had achieved in earlier years.

Electrification and changing preferences among younger customers were identified as additional challenges. The company’s recent work had extended beyond BMW to include MINI and the Toyota Supra, reflecting MINI’s connection to BMW and the Supra’s technical relationship with the G29-generation Z4. It is not yet clear whether AM Group will maintain that broader product scope.

The acquisition is understood to cover more than the AC Schnitzer name. Existing technical documentation and TÜV certification files will also transfer to the new owner, creating a foundation for continued use of the company’s engineering and approval work.

AM Group outlines its approach

AM Group says it intends to preserve AC Schnitzer’s identity while supporting the brand with the wider group’s expertise and infrastructure. AM Group operates in 30 countries and includes Urban Automotive, UBC Composites, GP Products and Absolute Motors.

Developing the company’s international dealer network is expected to be a major focus. AM Group co-CEO Patrick Meijer said the organization would provide the resources, infrastructure and investment needed to make AC Schnitzer relevant to a new generation.

Imran Arshad will lead the next phase as managing director. Arshad previously co-founded Evolve Automotive Eventuri and brings experience from the tuning sector. He identified engineering, design, precision and the brand’s established heritage as central values for AC Schnitzer’s future development.