Reading-based refinish products supplier J & C Autos Supplies Ltd has acquired Apollo Industries (UK) Ltd, the four-depot South West distributor.

Apollo's four depots in Exeter, Southampton, Bristol and St.Columb Major in Cornwall will join J & C's Reading location as the largest supplier of refinish products to the body repair trade in the South West of England and South Wales. Reading will become the HQ for the combined group. The businesses will initially remain as separate limited companies, but will trade under the combined banner of 'JC Apollo'.

Apollo's owners Richard and Mary Jennings will retire from the business, but its Business Development Director Clive Whitehurst has joined the board of the enlarged group.