Lookers' £3.9m acquisition of Mark Kass, with three Nissan and two Toyota dealerships in north London and Essex, strengthens its chances of winning further Nissan-Renault market areas as the two brands merge their dealer operations. Last month Lookers took the Nissan-Renault Greater Manchester area.

Allan Marston, Lookers financial director, said the company had an established relationship with Nissan through its Charles Hurst subsidiary. It had also selected Renault as one of its “preferred partners for the future” some while ago.

“The fact that Renault now has a stake in Nissan means our expansion with these companies goes hand in hand,” he said. Mr Marston said Lookers had bought Mark Kass to “acquire a good business and good management”.

“We have been in the South-east for many years but had to make a decision to develop more or to withdraw,” he said. “Managing a few businesses which are four or five hours from head office is not easy.”

Mark Kass and finance director Segar Karupiah join Lookers. Mr Kass will run its South-east operations which now includes 13 dealerships.