Acting for longstanding client motor trade dealer group

Thomson Snell & Passmore has acted for the Motorline Group, a long-standing client of the firm in respect of its recent acquisitions of various dealerships across the South East, South West and the Midlands.

In 2017, Motorline have taken on a total of five dealerships; brands include Nissan, Lexus and Hyundai, which are in addition to relocating Skoda and Nissan in Dartford, and Peugeot and Nissan in Medway to new sites. In 2018 Motorline are set to open three new dealerships in Gatwick, which are currently in build, for Peugeot, Hyundai and Lexus.

The combination of acquisition and organic growth have brought the total number of dealerships currently operated by the Motorline Group across the UK up to 49, plus an additional four Volkswagen Centres Trade Parts Specialist centres.

The family-owned dealer group was founded in 1972, and represents 11 leading car manufacturers. The group’s speculated target turnover for the recent financial year was in excess of £600m, and it currently employs more than 1,300 staff.

Thomson Snell & Passmore have acted for the Motoline Group for a number of years, and have advised on a series of acquisitions including the acquisition of the Westlands Motor Group in 2016, which included four Toyota dealerships and three Hyundai dealerships, and made Motorline one of the largest Toyota brand partners in the UK.

Joanne Gallagher, Partner and Head of the Corporate & Commercial Team, led the various acquisitions, assisted by Faye Cook (Corporate), Joanne Wright (Commercial property), whom have developed expertise in the automotive sector.