Genuine Parts Company to Split into Global Automotive and Global Industrial Units by Q1 2027

Strategic reset in Atlanta drives two-company plan

Genuine Parts Company on Feb. 17, 2026 announces from Atlanta that it intends to separate into two independent, publicly traded companies to sharpen focus on its core markets. The planned tax-free separation names the new units Global Automotive and Global Industrial and targets completion in the first quarter of 2027. Management frames the split as the culmination of a strategic and operational review and a decade of targeted expansion and simplification.

Genuine Parts carves distinct automotive and industrial platforms

The company says the separation reflects its evolution into a leading global service provider of automotive and industrial replacement parts and value‑added solutions, and is designed to align each business more closely with customer needs. Management, led by Chair‑Elect and CEO Will Stengel, says the move will simplify operations, accelerate decision making and create tailored management teams empowered with clearer mandates for growth and productivity.

Genuine Parts outlines financial and structural objectives for each unit

Genuine Parts states the separation allows each company to adopt capital structures and capital‑allocation strategies suited to their markets while targeting investment‑grade credit metrics. The firm expects the split to produce two scaled market leaders with improved operating clarity, faster execution and greater financial flexibility to fund strategic investments and productivity improvements. It also says dedicated platforms will enable more disciplined, business‑specific investment that can unlock long‑term value.

Execution timeline and investor engagement

The company plans an investor conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET on the day of the announcement to discuss fourth‑quarter and full‑year 2025 results alongside details of the separation. It schedules Investor Days for Global Automotive and Global Industrial in the second half of 2026 to provide further operational and strategic detail.

Company background and strategic rationale

Genuine Parts emphasizes that the decision builds on nearly a century of company evolution and a recent decade of focused global expansion, simplification and strategic investment. The firm says the split is intended to better position each business to respond to distinct customer channels, accelerate execution on technology and supply‑chain initiatives, and attract long‑term investors aligned with each platform’s strategic priorities.