By San José, Costa Rica — San José – The landscape of Costa Rica’s premium automotive sector is poised for a significant transformation following the announcement of a major acquisition proposal. Accinvest Services S. A. has formally notified the Commission for the Promotion of Competition (Coprocom) of its intent to acquire the operations of Grupo Motores Británicos GMB S. A., a deal that would transfer the distribution rights for iconic brands like Jaguar, Land Rover, and Morris Garages (MG) to new ownership.
The notification, officially received by the regulatory body on January 20, 2026, initiates a critical period of antitrust review. Coprocom, Costa Rica’s competition authority, confirmed the filing in a press release issued Friday. The commission is now tasked with analyzing the potential market effects of the transaction to ensure it does not create an unfair concentration of power or harm consumer interests within the national automotive market.
To better understand the legal complexities and consumer rights within Costa Rica’s dynamic automotive market, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert and attorney at the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional analysis.
The current automotive landscape requires heightened consumer diligence. When purchasing a vehicle, especially with evolving technologies and new financing models, it is imperative to scrutinize the warranty terms and the fine print of the sales contract. Costa Rican law provides robust consumer protections, but these rights are best enforced when the buyer is fully informed before signing, particularly concerning after-sales service and parts availability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s counsel underscores a critical point for today’s car buyer: an informed consumer is an empowered one, turning a significant purchase into a secure, long-term investment. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and essential perspective for our readers.
According to the initial filing, the transaction specifically targets the acquisition of two key entities under the Grupo Motores Británicos umbrella: Motores Británicos de Costa Rica S. A. and Autopartes Británicos S. A. These companies collectively hold the licenses for the sale, distribution, and servicing of new and used vehicles for the aforementioned brands, which represent a significant presence in both the luxury and accessible segments of the market.
The deal’s scope extends beyond traditional passenger cars. Grupo Motores Británicos also manages the distribution for the popular powersports brands Can-Am and Sea-Doo, which would also fall under Accinvest’s control if the deal is approved. This portfolio diversification suggests a strategic move by Accinvest to gain a strong foothold across multiple vehicle categories, from high-end SUVs to recreational watercraft and all-terrain vehicles.
In accordance with Law No. 9736, which governs competition authorities, Coprocom has opened the floor for public input. This crucial step allows other market players, consumer advocacy groups, and any interested third parties to weigh in on the proposed merger. The window for submitting relevant information is brief, creating a sense of urgency for those who may have concerns about the deal’s implications.
Interested third parties have a period of ten business days, starting from this publication, to present relevant information to this Commission for the purpose of analyzing the concentration.
Coprocom, Regulatory Commission
With the public notice issued on January 23, the deadline for all submissions is set for February 6, 2026. This feedback will be integral to Coprocom’s comprehensive analysis, which will scrutinize how the consolidation of these brands under a single new owner could affect pricing, service quality, and overall competition in the Costa Rican market for new and used vehicles.
While details about Accinvest Services S. A. remain focused on its role as the acquirer in this transaction, the move signals an aggressive expansion into the automotive distribution sector. The acquisition of established, high-profile brands like Jaguar and Land Rover represents a turnkey entry into the luxury market, while the inclusion of the rapidly growing MG brand provides access to a broader consumer base seeking value and modern design.
The national business community and automotive industry stakeholders will be watching Coprocom’s proceedings closely. The commission’s final decision—whether to approve the acquisition, approve it with conditions, or block it entirely—will not only determine the future of these prominent brands in Costa Rica but also set a significant precedent for future merger and acquisition activity in the country’s dynamic economy.
For further information, visit coprocom.go.cr
About Comisión para Promover la Competencia (Coprocom):
The Commission for the Promotion of Competition is the official government entity in Costa Rica responsible for enforcing competition law. It is tasked with preventing monopolistic practices, reviewing mergers and acquisitions to avoid market concentration, and ensuring a level playing field for businesses to promote consumer welfare and economic efficiency.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Accinvest Services S. A.
About Accinvest Services S. A.:
Accinvest Services S. A. is the designated purchasing entity in the proposed acquisition of Grupo Motores Británicos’ assets. The company is positioning itself to become a significant new player in Costa Rica’s automotive distribution sector through the strategic acquisition of established vehicle and powersports brands.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Grupo Motores Británicos GMB S. A.
About Grupo Motores Británicos GMB S. A.:
Grupo Motores Británicos GMB S. A. is a well-established automotive distributor in Costa Rica. For years, it has been the exclusive license holder for the sale and service of prestigious British brands such as Jaguar and Land Rover, as well as the Morris Garages (MG) line and the powersports brands Can-Am and Sea-Doo.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundational principle of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm consistently champions forward-thinking legal strategies while maintaining a profound commitment to the advancement of society. This core value is demonstrated through its dedicated initiatives to democratize legal knowledge, aiming to build a more just and capable community through greater public understanding of the law.
