Top 20 AM100 dealer group Perrys has acquired Pomphreys Vauxhall in Sittingborne for an undisclosed sum.

It is the group’s first acquisition since its Renault franchise in Aylesbury and the purchase of four Vauxhall dealerships from Vantage Group in 2007.

Ken Savage told AM that the business is now looking at growth opportunities but would be “very selective” with what it buys.

Savage told AM: “While we have not bought anything for a few years we have been growing the business by adding franchises, in the last few years we have taken on two additional Kia outlets and this year we opened our first Nissan showroom.

“Pomphrey's works for us as it is the adjacent territory to our Vauxhall site in Canterbury, our three existing Vauxhall sites in Kent do exceptionally well and we are confident that our new acquisition will quickly be making good profits.”

The business currently employs about 40 people but Perrys will strengthen the departments and grow the business while making savings in the cost base from the group’s buying power.

Savage said: “I believe it is increasingly difficult for these stand-alone businesses to make an adequate return unless they have an exceptional operator.

“I am hopeful that we will see more businesses like this come to the market.”