Mon, 07 Jul 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
Activate Group, an accident management services provider backed by private equity firm Elysian Capital, has acquired collision repair specialist Avant Group in a deal that brings three new brands into the group.
The deal is being supported by a further investment from Elysian Capital, building on the firm’s initial backing of Activate Group in 2024.
Halifax-based Activate Group provides fleets and insurers with claims management services, operating through its Motor Repair Network and sopp+sopp businesses. The group has a UK-wide network of approved repairers, including 13 Activate Accident Repair centres, along with specialist automotive parts division Activate Parts.
The deal sees the group acquire Huddersfield-based Avant Group’s three key brands, Avant Consult, Avant Repair Network and Bodynet, as well as Avant’s manufacturer paint and body programmes.
The transaction is described as supporting both businesses in their growth plans, providing enhanced scale across claims and repair management. The acquisition of bodyshop management system Bodynet, meanwhile, will enhance the market offering of Activate Group sister company Onyx Repair Innovations Limited, adding the Bodynet BMS and AutoPad products to its portfolio.
Post-sale, the Avant Group leadership team will remain in place in their current roles. Mark Johnstone will lead the business, while joining the executive team at Activate Group as Avant Group managing director.
Calling the deal a “significant milestone” for the company, Activate Group Chief Executive Hannah Wilcox said: “Avant Group's specialist expertise enhances our existing proposition and supports our ambition to deliver the UK's most advanced, end-to-end accident and repair solutions. Together, we're giving insurers, fleets and partners even more reasons to choose our services.”
Mark Johnstone said that joining Activate Group was “the next natural step in our growth”, adding that the move “gives us the opportunity to grow faster, expand our reach and bring even more value to our clients, partners and people”.
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