County Garage Group, the Carlisle-based business operating Ford and Jaguar car dealerships, has reached an agreement in principle to sell the company.

Subject to contracts being finalised, managing director Michael Gilligan and CMA sales manager Paul Gilligan plan to sell their Ford outlets, which are in Carlisle, Penrith and Workington, to GK Group, which already operates seven other Ford main dealerships as well as other franchises.

The group’s Gilligan Jaguar dealership in Carlisle will be added to locally-based Lloyd Motors’ 11 outlets, which include BMW and Ford-owned brands Land Rover and Volvo.

The move will mean Paul’s departure from motor retailing, although Michael will remain with the business in a senior role.

In a statement, County says: “It is not anticipated that there will be any immediate major changes of staff at CG Ford or Gilligan Jaguar locations.”

The Jaguar transfer will go ahead in the next few weeks, but the company says the Ford sale will not be finalised until early summer.