Germany’s leading online car marketplace, Mobile.de, has become the focus of investor attention as its owners consider either a partial divestment or a public listing next year. Dutch tech investor Prosus is said to have registered early interest, underscoring intensifying competition across Europe’s pre-owned vehicle classifieds.

Currently controlled by private equity firms Permira and Blackstone following the 2023 acquisition from Norway’s Adevinta, Mobile.de could command a valuation approaching €10 billion ($11.66 billion). That potential worth has attracted chatter about multiple bids and a possible IPO.

Industry sources suggest Prosus may pursue an offer via its classifieds unit OLX, joining other suitors reported to include EQT, Cinven and Apax. No formal sales process has been announced, but the market noise highlights Mobile.de’s strategic footprint in Europe’s auto sector.

The interest from Prosus follows its recent €1.1 billion purchase of French used-car site La Centrale, a clear signal of the group’s push into Europe’s automotive classifieds. Meanwhile, Permira and Blackstone have been reshaping Mobile.de’s portfolio, selling the Spanish business to EQT and Austria’s Willhaben to a group of investors.

With investor activity rising, Europe’s online car classifieds are showing signs of consolidation. While takeover talk grows, an IPO for Mobile.de remains the main path being discussed by its owners.