Major UK car dealership in 'advanced discussions' to buy South West automotive retailer

Vertu Motors is in advanced discussions regarding the potential acquisition of Helston Garages Group Limited, a privately owned predominantly premium manufacturer automotive retail group based in the Southwest of England.

Vertu Motors was formed in 2006 to acquire and consolidate UK motor retail businesses. It was founded as a new entrant into the UK motor retail sector and is listed on the AIM market.

The Vertu Motors Group operates a nationwide chain of more than 150 franchised motor dealerships which offer sales, servicing, parts and bodyshop facilities for new and used cars and commercial vehicles. These dealerships fall under the trading names Vertu Motors, Bristol Street Motors (which it bought in 2007) and Macklin Motors.

Last month Vertu Motors revealed profit before tax of £28.2m on revenue of nearly £2 billion. New and used car margins helped to boost the group’s results, despite supply issues.

Bristol Street Motors originated over 100 years ago as a single Ford dealership located on Bristol Street in central Birmingham. It has since expanded to become a nationally recognised brand, which represents some of the world's most popular automotive manufacturers.

In 2010, Vertu Motors expanded into Scotland, where it trades under the Macklin Motors brand.

Earlier this month Vertu acquired acquired two BMW Motorrad dealerships from Allan Jefferies, a company which has origins dating back more than 120 years, in a multi-million pound deal. The acquisition takes the brand to being the largest BMW Motorrad franchise dealer group in the UK.

The Vertu Motors Group is now the fifth largest automotive retailer in the UK.