Mon, 06 Oct 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
An automotive repair company based in Hertfordshire is set to enter a new phase of growth after being acquired by a private equity firm. Hilton Coachworks is the UK’s largest independent manufacturer-approved repair centre.
The Bishop’s Stortford-based company has now been acquired by London-based private equity firm Sun European Partners, in a deal advised on by law firm HMT. Founded in 1984 by Peter Hilton, Hilton Coachworks has repaired over 250,000 vehicles to date. The owner-managed company specialises in the prestige and super-prestige markets.
HMT provided advice to Hilton Coachworks on the transaction, including helping to identify the right investment partners, the negotiation of detailed terms, support during the due diligence process and project managing the deal to its successful completion.
HMT partner Wendy Hart called Hilton Coachworks “an impressive business with a distinctive business model which we are sure will go from strength to strength with the support of Sun European Partners."
A spokesperson for Sun European Partners added: "From BMW and Mercedes-Benz to Bentley and Lamborghini, Hilton's strong reputation and technical expertise make it a highly complementary addition to our services platform."
"This acquisition is consistent with Sun European's buy-and-build strategy – adding high-quality, specialised businesses with strong free cash flow conversion that expand operational scale and capabilities. We are excited to partner with the Hilton team in their next phase of growth."
In the year to June 30 2024, Hilton Limited (trading as Hilton Coachworks) reported turnover of close to £12.8 million, up from £12.1 million a year earlier, while gross profit increased from £5 million to £5.2 million. However, the results included a one off adjustment of around £889,000 in respect to a loan provided to a related company, leading to a pre-tax loss of £259,340.
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