##Roger Knight--right## Multi-franchise Marshall Motor Holdings is in talks with the six-dealership Tim Brinton Group, chief executive Roger Knight (right) has confirmed.

He said a statement would be issued if a deal was finalised but would make no further comment.

According to industry sources, Marshall wants to strengthen its links with Peugeot and is close to a deal. It holds the franchise at Peterborough and Huntingdon.

Tim Brinton Group, also based at Cambridge, has four Peugeot dealerships - at Biggleswade, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge and St Neots. It also owns a Vauxhall and a Citroen dealership.

Cambridge-based Marshall is the 26th largest UK motor retail group by turnover, according to the AM100. Annual sales total £332m.