The two remaining Vauxhall dealerships of collapsed car dealer Seward (Wessex) have been taken over by Eden Vauxhall, Graeme Potts' joint venture with GMUK.

The Poole and Christchurch sites, which employed 135 people, have been rebranded Eden Branksome and Eden Christchurch.

Seward (Wessex) went into administration a month ago, leading to the closure of two sites while a buyer was sought for its remaining two trading dealerships.

Joint administrator Greg Palfrey of Smith & Williamson said: “We always felt confident a buyer would come forward because Seward (Wessex) was a strong brand with many qualities and opportunities.

"This deal, put together in a tight timeframe, means the jobs of more than 135 people are thankfully safeguarded.

"I wish to publicly thank the staff at Seward (Wessex) for their outstanding professionalism during what was, understandably, an anxious and uncertain time for their families and themselves.

"Our decision to wind down two economically unviable sites in Blandford and Grange Road, Christchurch, with the regrettable loss of 46 jobs overall, ensured that the core business of Seward (Wessex) could be saved.

“We wish Eden Motor Group every success.”

Eden, established in 2008 by former Inchcape Retail managing director Graeme Potts in partnership with GMUK, operates six retail centres in Reading, Newbury, Fareham, Exeter and Honiton, as well as a Vauxhall and Ford aftersales centre in Bracknell.

Potts said: "This is an exciting time for Eden and we thank Greg and his team for everything they have done in ensuring the viability of the Seward (Wessex) business.

“Our focus in East Dorset will be on combining the best practices of the very top large companies with the individual service and personalisation characteristic of many smaller private companies.

“Customer service will be paramount, along with growth and profitability.

“The colleagues at Eden Motor Group look forward to giving a warm welcome to our new stable of customers and the business community in Dorset.”