Motor World, the UK's biggest independent car parts and accessories retailer, has acquired 21 Les Smith stores in London and the south of England from administrator Baker-Tilly, saving 80 jobs.

The acquisition of leases takes the Motor World network to 223 outlets with 956 employees and is the company's first takeover since its management buyout from Finelist in December 2000.

The Stratford-on-Avon based group reported turnover of £43.3m for 2002 and announced a 13 per cent year-on-year increase for the first quarter of 2003.

With Les Smith on board, the company expects another 10 per cent rise in sales and growth in profits of more than 50 per cent.

“We have an extensive expansion policy planned. This has been accelerated and we have the infrastructure to ensure a smooth integration of the business,” says Motor World managing director John Mousell.