It’s getting difficult to keep a running count of how many automotive mergers and acquisitions there have been in recent months.

Another one in the F&I world surfaced on Monday, as Protective Life Corp., a wholly owned U.S. subsidiary of Dai-ichi Life Holdings, announced that its principal subsidiary, Protective Life Insurance Co., has entered into an agreement to acquire F&I provider AUL Corp.

While subject to the receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of customary closing conditions, the companies said the closing of the acquisition is expected to occur in the second quarter.

“With a national footprint of agents and dealers, an experienced team in the vehicle service contract business in addition to distribution channel growth opportunities in the higher-mileage and the financial institutions space, AUL’s product portfolio is a strong complement to Protective’s Asset Protection Division,” Protective president and chief executive officer said Rich Bielen said in a news release.

“Our Asset Protection Division has grown steadily over recent years through both acquisitions and organic growth. It continues to be a very important part of our business, and we look forward to continuing the momentum with the acquisition of AUL,” Bielen continued.

Protective Asset Protection’s offerings include, among others, extended service contracts, guaranteed asset protection and ancillary products to protect consumers’ investments in automobiles, recreational vehicles, watercraft and powersports vehicles.

In addition, Protective Asset Protection, which has served customers for 60 years, offers a robust portfolio of dealer participation programs, training and technology solutions through a network of general agents as well as a direct sales force.

Founded in 1990, AUL, a pioneer in the used-vehicle service contract industry, also offers a variety of F&I products including warranties, vehicle service contracts, guaranteed asset protection insurance and a suite of ancillary products.

“AUL is excited about the opportunity to join the Protective family. Combining Protective’s resources and reach with our rapidly growing platform will enable us to provide more robust solutions for our agents and dealers,” AUL president and CEO Jimmy Atkinson said in the news release. “Protective and AUL also align in our focus on culture and opportunities for our employees, contributions to our communities and award-winning customer service. We’re excited to move forward together.”

When closed, this transaction will represent Protective’s 59th acquisition. It will be the sixth transaction completed since Protective became part of Dai-ichi Holdings in 2015.

Dai-ichi, a global leader with over $588 billion in total assets, considers Protective to be its North American platform and continues to aim for further expansion in the region, through both acquisitions and organic growth.

“AUL is an established industry leader in the automotive finance and insurance space, offering a full suite of products and services for agents and their dealers,” said Scott Karchunas, president of Protective Asset Protection. “Through this acquisition, we are excited to continue growing Protective Asset Protection by serving the needs of more agents, dealers and consumers across the country.”

Maynard, Cooper & Gale acted as external legal counsel for Protective in this transaction. 

Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler acted as external legal counsel for AUL in this transaction. Houlihan Lokey acted as financial advisor to AUL in the transaction.