Andrew Page has bought key Parts Alliance member Camberley Auto Factors (CAF) for an undisclosed sum.
With the most branches in the Parts Alliance, CAF adds 29 locations to Andrew Page which now has a network of more than 90 sites.
The CAF acquisition sees Andrew Page leapfrog GSF in size and gives the company an immediate, strong presence in the south of England and along the M4 corridor towards Wales and the West Country. Parts Alliance members in these areas include Mill Autoquip and GMF.
The purchase is a huge step in Andrew Page’s ambition to create a national network. Andrew Page Limited, Managing Director Mark Roberts said. “The management team here is delighted to announce the acquisition of Camberley Auto Factors.
“The senior management team and our loyal staff look forward to working with the Camberley team to create the UK’s most successful independent motor factor. We now anticipate building on this success and continuing our national growth strategy with our new Chairman, Duncan Wilkes, together with the team at Phoenix working alongside usâ€.
There is no immediate rebranding of CAF sites. Camberley Auto Factors Managing Director Dave Russell said. “It will be very much business as usual over the coming months as we continue to trade as Camberley Auto Factors. However, we anticipate that the strengths of the two companies combined will increasingly enable us to offer an even better service and enhanced and extended range of products and servicesâ€.
Ex-Halfords Nationwide Autocentres boss Duncan Wilkes is also announced as the new Chairman of Andrew Page. John Rastrick of Phoenix commented. “We are delighted to support Andrew Page with the acquisition of Camberley Auto Factors. We see substantial further growth potential for the business and are committed to supporting the company to achieve this. We are also very pleased with the appointment of Duncan Wilkes who joins the board at an exciting time in its developmentâ€.
Founded in 1946, Andrew Page entered into a partnership with Phoenix Equity Partners in March 2010.
A great move for Andrew Page, but you have to worry for the hole left in the Parts Alliance, whom Andrew Page also left a couple of years ago. If CAF does indeed follow the same route as Andrew Page, which seems the obvious option, there is no obvious candidate in this area for the Parts Alliance to fill, especially in an area which CAF and ECP hold pretty well between them.
Shrewd business from Andrew Page, which will have massive repercussions in the after market around the country. Will be interesting to see how this develops in the coming months.