Vertu continues Scots expansion 10 | 09 | 2010

    GATESHEAD-BASED Vertu Motors has continued its expansion across Scotland by purchasing it's seventh outlet, Dunfermline Peugeot from Hardie Motor Group. The deal is not expected to cost more than £300,000.

    Vertu, currently the eightth-largest UK dealer group, said Dunfermline Peugeot has sales of £3.5m and made a small operating profit. The group — which now operates eight Peugeot dealerships — already has Dunfermline Auto Centre business near to the acquired business.

    "We are delighted to expand further with Peugeot, which we believe is very well positioned with its exciting and expanding product range," Robert Forrester, chief executive, said. "This new Peugeot dealership is excellently located, and adds to our brand’s presence in Scotland following our purchase of Paisley Peugeot in April.

    “The new business will trade as Macklin Motors and represents our seventh sales outlet to be purchased in Scotland during 2010. In addition, we will shortly be rebranding the Dunfermline Auto Centre business purchased in January 2010 to the Macklin Motors name.

     “The group has made a substantial number of acquisitions in the last year, which have been integrated into the Vertu Motors management and systems platform, and are on track to provide a significant boost to the group’s long term profitability."

    Jim McGill

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