Benfield Motor Group Acquires Four Audi Dealerships

14th October 2011 4:16PM

Benfield Motor Group have today (Friday 14th October 2011) successfully completed the acquisition of North East business Colebrook and Burgess Ltd., who trade as North East Audi.

The Colebrook business operates four Audi Centres in Newcastle (Scotswood Road), Tyneside (Silverlink), Wearside (Sunderland) and Teesside (Stockton) as well as a Group Bodyshop, a Vehicle Preparation Centre and a Head Office at Tyne Tunnel Industrial Estate.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed fee, of Colebrook and Burgess, who have a turnover of approximately £140m, will take Benfield’s group turnover to more than £500m and increase their dealership network to 35 across the North East of England, Teesside, Yorkshire, Cumbria and South West Scotland.

All of the 279 Colebrook and Burgess employees will become part of Benfield with immediate effect.

Andrew Maidwell and John Hutton, the previous owners and directors, have decided to pursue other interests outside of the motor industry.

This is a very significant development for Benfield Motor Group and Nigel McMinn, Benfield’s Managing Director, will be taking immediate and direct operational control of the business.

Mark Squires, Chief Executive, Benfield Motor Group said “We are delighted to announce this very significant development in the growth of Benfield Motor Group.

“The Audi franchise is arguably the most valuable franchise in motor retailing and is currently the fourth largest distributor in the UK. Colebrook and Burgess is a well run business with family values and a positive and proactive approach to customer service. This is a natural fit for Benfield. It’s a highly regarded business with great people and there are obvious synergies between the two businesses which we will explore in the coming months ahead”, he added.

Andrew Maidwell, Colebrook and Burgess, Managing Director, said “We have given careful consideration to the best options for the business and its employees. Benfield Motor Group is an independently family-owned business based in the North East and one with very similar values to our own.

“From a personal point of view it was very important to me that the new owners of the business would be capable of developing the business further and continue to recognise the values of our staff and North East Audi well into the future.”

The acquisition of Colebrook and Burgess will take Benfield’s work force to over 1,400 across 35 franchised dealerships.

The Benfield Group represents key brands including Nissan, Volkswagen, Alfa Romeo, Toyota, Honda, Lexus, Hyundai, Skoda, Kia, Ford and Renault.

Benfield was founded in 1957 by the late John Squires senior in Newcastle Upon Tyne and developed by John Squires Junior the present Chairman and donates 5% of group profits to worthy causes through the Benfield Charitable Trust.

For further information contact Andy Naylor, Group Communications Manager, on 07771 831 633.