Wed, 03 Sep 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
Johnsons Cars Limited, a car dealership group that represents 16 automotive brands, has been acquired by investor Athenaeum International Holdings. The deal sees Athenaeum, which was previously behind the acquisition of Brayleys Cars, further expand its portfolio in the UK automotive retail market.
Following the acquisition, advised on by Cooper Parry’s automotive corporate finance team, the combined group now operates 79 franchise sales points in the UK, represents 21 automotive brands and has a workforce of close to 2,000 staff.
Johnsons Cars Limited was established in 1999 through the acquisition of Johnson Brothers. Since then, the group has grown to represent 16 brands, with a particular strength in the Volkswagen Group portfolio, covering Volkswagen, Škoda, SEAT and CUPRA.
In addition to Johnsons Cars’ dealership network, Athenaeum’s acquisition also includes Johnsons' TPS Centres, Johnsons Fleet Services and group support functions.
Brayleys Chief Executive José Blanco commented: “Johnsons Cars is a highly regarded and well-run business that perfectly complements our existing brand portfolio and geographic footprint. The shared values between our teams and our combined strength in key manufacturer partnerships make this a natural fit for the next step in our growth trajectory."
Johnsons Cars CEO Mike Berwick said that, after 26 years of operation, it was “incredibly important” that the firm found the right owner to carry it forward and added that the board was “confident that the new owners share our values and have the vision and means to create continued success for our staff, brand partners, and customers.”
Sam Rotherham, Cooper Parry Corporate Finance Manager, said: "Johnsons’ sustained growth over the years makes them a very attractive business, and this move by Athenaeum really demonstrates their commitment to the UK auto sector. Johnsons expands the Athenaeum portfolio both operationally and geographically. Allowing the shareholders an elegant exit from the industry.”
Rotherham said that this was “a strange period” for M&A in the automotive sector, but that the Cooper Parry team “continues to complete a number of strong, scaled transactions”.
Rotherham revealed that the CP team has “a strong pipeline of deals” and expects to see continuing activity, despite the difficulty companies face in achieving high levels of profitability.
He added: “We expect to see further group consolidation, as OEMs are pushing for reduced network partners and international investment into the sector is sustained."
Read more about M&A in the UK automotive sector
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