The companies appear to complement each other perfectly, and Patterson intends to develop plans set out by former Bradleys executive chairman Paul Davis, who was planning a global assault with the business.
Believing the smart repair sector was ripe for globalisation, Davis was planning to float Bradleys on the junior stock exchange before the administrators were called in.
“I had global approval to sell to DaimlerChrysler dealerships and I was selling the business concept at a corporate level with big dealers and manufacturers,” Davis told AM.
Patterson said: “There is a lot of growth internationally and nationally. We have deals underway in China, Europe, USA and the Middle-East.
“Smart repair is a booming industry and I see tremendous opportunities.”
Bradleys went into administration in November after Davis failed to secure a £50,000 overdraft needed to float the business.
He says the banks, under pressure due to the credit squeeze, turned down his approach. They also turned down his offer of a pre-pack acquisition, valuing the business at £600,000 and property at £400,000.
“DaimlerChrysler heard there were problems and pulled out,” Davis said. “I had no choice but to request the business went into administration.”
That happened on November 7. Patterson is believed to have bought it on December 18 for £530,000 including property, but declined to confirm this figure.
As for Davis, he is now considering his next move. Don’t rule out a return to smart repair, though. “I have lots of knowledge and have access to money to form a global smart repair organisation. I am talking and listening to people,” he said.
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