Overview
The company was founded in Belgium in 2004 as CarsOnTheWeb (COTW) and held its first online auction in January 2005. It set up a German entity in 2006, entities in France and Italy in 2007, and moved its headquarters to Grijpenlaan in Tienen in 2009. ING Activator Fund and Ark Angels Fund invested in 2010; Vortex Capital Partners and ABN AMRO Participaties invested in 2016. The business operated as ADESA Europe until 22 November 2023, when it became OPENLANE Europe after parent KAR Global had rebranded to OPENLANE in May 2023. Johan Meyssen, who joined in 2008, retired as CEO of ADESA Europe in 2023 after 15 years; Grainne van Berkum was appointed President in November 2023. OPENLANE Europe is a business unit of OPENLANE Inc. (NYSE: OPLN) in Carmel, Indiana. Milestones include the 2024 Stellantis deal for weekly exclusive ex-rental auctions, the 2025 launch of OPENLANE Next-to-New for young low-mileage cars at fixed prices, the 2024 Fleet Europe Remarketing Innovation Award, and local-currency payments for Polish and Czech buyers in 2026.
Funding history
- 2010 investment: ING Activator Fund and Ark Angels Fund
- 2016 investment: Vortex Capital Partners and ABN AMRO Participaties
- 2019 acquisition: Acquired by KAR Auction Services (announced 2018, completed January 2019)
Stated facts & numbers
- Founded: 2004 (as CarsOnTheWeb)
- Headquarters: Tienen, Belgium
- Legal entity: OPENLANE Europe NV
- Parent: OPENLANE Inc. (NYSE: OPLN), Carmel, Indiana
- Employees: 201-500
- President: Grainne van Berkum (since November 2023)
- Sales operations: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom
- Registered buyers: 135,000+
- Customers: OEMs, dealers, fleet operators, rental companies, financial institutions; Stellantis, Athlon
- Former names: CarsOnTheWeb (2004-2019), ADESA Europe (until 2023)
Leadership & org chart
In the news
- This week on OPENLANE: a fresh #EV selection, ready to match real buyer demand. Browse available electric models with clear vehicle details, inspection info and auction timing, then bid online when the right stock fits your forecourt. View this week’s EV selection: https://lnkd.in/gcDWCTes #OPENLANE #EVs #UsedCars #AutoDealer #VehicleSourcing #CarAuctions #Remarketing
- At OPENLANE, we're leveraging data and AI to build smarter, more intuitive solutions that make life easier for our customers. From turning data into actionable insights to creating more personalized, seamless experiences, we're excited about the opportunities ahead. Inspired by fresh ideas, new connections and the potential of a truly data-driven future. 🚀 Nikolas V. | Jolijn Bockstaele | Karel Essers | Anouck Decock | Alicja Strozyk | Bassel MRAD #Snowflake
- Easy wholesale starts with understanding the people behind the fleet. That’s what made these two days at Fleet Europe Days worthwhile: time to listen, compare notes and see things from the other side of the table. Thanks to everyone who stopped by OPENLANE. The event is over. Let’s put the conversations to work. Thanks to our team Lars Agten, Jasmin Meier, FABIO LUCCHETTA, Luciano Jannone for bringing OPENLANE to life at Fleet Europe Days. #OPENLANE #FleetEuropeDays #Remarketing
- Buying on the go just got even better. 📱 Update your OPENLANE app today and keep buying with ease, anywhere. #OPENLANE | #MobileBidding | #CarAuctions
- Two days. One meeting place for the fleet and remarketing community. And OPENLANE will be there! Next week, on 27–28 October, we’re joining industry professionals from across Europe at Fleet Europe Days 2026 in Lisbon. After celebrating an award win at last year’s edition, we’re looking forward to returning this year for what matters most: connecting with the people who drive our industry forward. For us, it’s all about exchanging ideas, talking about what’s happening in the market and, most importantly, meeting you in
- Weekly Next-to-New Spotlight: https://lnkd.in/esBcBkaq Low mileage, great value, no technical or body damage, ready to drive. #NextToNew #CarDeals #NearlyNew #LowMileage #FindYourNextCar #CarShopping #QualityCars #DriveYourDream #AutoMarketplace #CarOfTheWeek
- 1,200+ VEHICLES IN STOCK. READY TO BUY.Looking for your next car? We currently have more than 1,200 vehicles in stock, with a wide selection of makes, models and price ranges. See something you like? Don’t wait. Browse our stock. Choose your car. Buy now. 👉 https://lnkd.in/dhV8sFPj Your next car is ready.
- OPENLANE is heading to Lisbon! We’ll be at Fleet Europe Days 2026 on 27–28 October, joining fleet, mobility and remarketing professionals from across Europe and beyond. Two days of insights, networking and conversations about what’s next for our industry – and a great opportunity to meet the OPENLANE team. Going to be there too? Come and visit us at booth 14, Hall 1. We’d love to see you! 📍 Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), Lisbon 📅 27–28 October #OPENLANE #FleetEuropeDays #FleetEurope #Remarketing #Automotive
Alumni
Gino VleminckxChief Commercial Officer (CCO)→Owner at avreX BVBA at avreX
Arne RuytingsTest Analyst
Yorick HeerenQuality Assurance Team Lead
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