Our story
From a local electrical spare parts supplier to a European serial acquirer
1996–2010:
Foundation and domestic growth
Relais Group’s roots date back to 1996, when Startax Auto-Electronics Oy was founded in Tampere, Finland, specialising in electronics for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
In 2010, Relais Investment Oy was established as the parent company to support Startax’s growth and international expansion.
2011–2016:
First steps in internationalisation
International expansion began in 2011 with the establishment of Startax AS in Estonia.
In 2014, the Group expanded through acquisitions in Finland (JA-Tools JA-Elektro Oy) and Norway (Maskin-Teknisk AS).
In 2016, Startax Auto-Electronics Oy and JA-Tools JA-Elektro Oy were merged into Startax Finland Oy.
2017–2019:
Nordic expansion and IPO
In 2017–2018, Relais strengthened its presence in Sweden through the acquisition of Awimex International AB.
In May 2019, the acquisitions of AB Reservdelar and Huzells i Karlstad AB established Relais Group as a leading provider of vehicle electrical equipment and spare parts in the Nordics.
In October 2019, Relais Group was listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market Finland, marking the start of a focused acquisition-driven growth strategy.
2020–2021:
Strategic expansion and entry into repair and maintenance services
In 2020, Relais Group expanded into Denmark (SEC Scandinavia A/S) and further strengthened its position in Sweden (TD Tunga Delar Sverige AB).
In early 2021, the acquisition of Strands Group AB reinforced Relais’ position as a key European player in the vehicle lighting aftermarket.
During 2021, Relais expanded significantly into repair and maintenance services with the acquisition of Raskone Oy, alongside additional acquisitions including Lumise Oy, STS Sydhamnens Trailer Service AB (now Team Verkstad), and Trucknik Reservdelar AB.
2022–2023:
Structural strengthening and active M&A phase
In 2022, Relais was listed on the official list of Nasdaq Helsinki and continued its expansion through acquisitions in Sweden and Denmark (including Skeppsbrons Jönköping AB, Ecofoss A/S, and S-E-T A/S).
In 2023, Relais completed a record four acquisitions, including Adita Oy in Finland and AutoMateriell AS and Nordic Lift AS in Norway. Jyväskylä Truck Center was later integrated into Raskone Oy.
2024–2025:
Scaling and expansion into Continental Europe
In 2024, Relais Group continued to grow through acquisitions in Finland and Sweden and streamlined its Danish operations by forming SEC Set Ecofoss A/S.
In 2025, Relais Group took a major step into Continental Europe by acquiring a majority stake in Belgium-based Matro Group, significantly strengthening its position in the Central European truck accessories market. Following the acquisition, Relais Group expanded its footprint to Benelux and Germany and strengthened its own brand portfolio.
At the same time, Relais Group reinforced its Nordic service network by acquiring Team Verksted Holding AS, becoming the leading independent operator of commercial vehicle repair chains in the Nordics.
The Group also completed several complementary acquisitions across Sweden and Finland during the year.
Today:
a serial acquirer in Europe
Today, Relais Group is a leading European serial acquirer focused on the vehicle aftermarket, employing approximately 1,700 professionals across eight countries.