Private equity firm Corseley Limited has today confirmed the acquisition of ELLA Digital Limited, a rapidly expanding technology company at the forefront of artificial intelligence solutions for the automotive industry. The move underscores Corseley’s strategic commitment to supporting innovation and digital transformation across automotive markets.
As part of the acquisition, Matt Benns has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ELLA, tasked with guiding the company through its next phase of growth, international expansion, and product development. Benns brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the automotive and technology sectors, including senior roles at VW Group, Mazda, CDK, and Keyloop, as well as experience scaling high-growth supplier ventures.
ELLA’s flagship AI platform, optimAIze®, leverages agentic AI* to generate faster, more engaging customer interactions, helping dealerships and automotive service providers improve sales, service revenues, and operational efficiency. By combining advanced AI capabilities with actionable data insights, every customer engagement becomes an opportunity to enhance performance and profitability.
Under Corseley’s ownership, ELLA is set to benefit from strategic investment, operational support, and access to a broader network of complementary automotive and technology businesses. In the short term, the company will focus on scaling its optimAIze® platform, accelerating commercial partnerships, and expanding its footprint across Europe.
“ELLA represents the future of intelligent automotive solutions,” said Thomas Cullis, CEO of Corseley. “The company’s market-leading AI capabilities align perfectly with our investment strategy. With Matt’s extensive experience in automotive innovation and digital transformation, ELLA is well positioned to lead the next wave of industry change.”
Matt Benns echoed the enthusiasm: “This is an incredibly exciting time for ELLA. AI is transforming how the automotive industry operates—from sales to service to customer experience. With Corseley’s backing, we can accelerate product development, forge deeper partnerships, and deliver even greater value to our customers in the UK and Europe.”
The acquisition also marks a significant strategic step for Corseley in strengthening its presence in automotive technology. RSM UK Limited provided buyside advisory services during the transaction and will continue supporting Corseley going forward.
Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems capable of performing tasks autonomously while optimizing outcomes based on user objectives.
