Group 1 Automotive has acquired Inchcape’s four Ford dealerships for an undisclosed sum.

The dealerships will trade under the "think Ford" brand name and are located in Farnborough, Guildford, Wokingham and Bracknell.

Five years ago Inchcape announced it was looking to reduce the amount of volume brands it represents to focus on premium, but until now it had retained the Ford franchise.

US-based Group 1 says the acquisition complements its existing BMW/MINI dealerships located in Farnborough and other adjacent market areas south and southwest of London.

The deal will add £117 million to Group 1’s turnover – taking it to £334m and 17 places up the AM100 table, overtaking Ridgeway.

Earl J. Hesterberg, Group 1's president and chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted to add Ford to our brand offerings in England with this acquisition of four dealerships in a growing area outside of London.

"We are also very pleased to expand our relationship with Ford Motor Company internationally."

Group 1 owns and operates 124 automotive dealerships, 160 franchises, and 32 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 31 brands of automobiles. It has also just completed an 18 dealership acquisition in Brazil.