Mon, 05 Feb 2024 | BUSINESS SALE
JCB Group has expanded with the acquisition of a dealership business based in the South East of England. Ashford Orbital represents brands including Kia, Suzuki, Mazda, Skoda, VW Commercial Vehicles, Volkswagen, Renault and Cupra.
The company occupies a 2.5 acre site in Ashford, Kent and was acquired by outgoing owners Oliver Barford and Jeff Wilson from Drake and Fletcher in 2008. Following the deal, the company will become part of the JCB portfolio, with the owners moving on to other business pursuits. Jeff Wilson commented that it was “the right time to pass the business on to a larger group who can further develop and grow it.”
The deal was managed by David Kendrick and the automotive team at UHY Hacker Young and follows JCB Group’s December 2023 acquisition of the nearby Tunbridge Wells Volkswagen dealership. JCB Group have said they are keen to continue targeting dealership acquisitions in the area.
David Kendrick commented: "The site, coupled with the franchise portfolio, was prime for being acquired by one of the bigger groups and there was a lot of interest in the business. However, it makes complete sense for JCB to bring it into their ever growing South East portfolio."
JCB Group Managing Director Jonathan Bischoff said that Ashford Orbital was a business that he has been eyeing “for some time” and that Wilson and Barford had “built a fantastic business on a very attractive freehold property that sits adjacent to some of our other businesses”, adding that it “complements the portfolio perfectly”.
Bischoff continued: "As a group we continue to grow and have been supported very well by Ian McMahon and the UHY team. Therefore, if any dealers in our region are considering an exit, we are keen they contact Ian."
Find out more about M&A trends in the UK's automotive sector
This is an exciting opportunity to acquire a well-established brand owner and distributor specialising in pet treats, food, and toys across the UK and Ireland.
This award-winning retailer offers a unique blend of premium country-inspired products and exceptional customer service, making it an attractive opportunity for expansion within both national and international markets. With its robust supply chain ex...
A well-established family business, originally founded in the 1930s and expanded since 1996, is now available for acquisition.
LEASEHOLD
Please choose your settings for this site below. For more information please read our Cookie Policy
These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and provide you with access to all features.
These are analytics cookies that help us to improve the way our website works.
These are used to improve the functional performance of the website and make it easier for you to use.