Gemini Accident Repair Centre is poised to acquire Scuffs Cosmetic Repairs after the business collapsed last month.

Cedric Clapp and Andrew Sheridan of Baker Tilly have been appointed receivers to Bristol-based Scuffs on the request of the directors following a period of “financial difficulty”. The £4m turnover company launched three years ago with ambitious plans to open a 200-strong repair network in the UK.

The receivers have closed four of Scuffs' eight outlets – Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter and Ipswich – which were trading poorly, with the loss of 70 jobs.

Andrew Hopkins, director at Gemini Accident Repair Centre, confirmed that the company was close to acquiring the remaining four sites in Gloucester, Wednesbury, Reading and the second Bristol outlet.

“We intend to extend the business further into the traditional bodyshop sector, but it will continue to focus on cosmetic repairs,” said Mr Hopkins.

The business will be renamed Scuffs at Gemini.