Sportif Citroen managing director John Miskin has sold the Aylesbury-based franchised car dealership to his son Simon - signalling his retirement from the business.

The former Citroen dealer council stalwart handed over the business in an acquisition completed by his son and business partner James Wilmoth, who operates Citroen and DS Automobiles franchised sites across the South East.

Wilmoth also added Mitsubishi to its franchised retail offering following the acquisition of Hampshire’s Freeborn Group.

Simon Miskin, who had been successfully running Sportif Citroen as its dealer principal for seven years, said: “My business ethos both in the past and going forward, has always been to surround myself with generally like-minded, experienced people.

“It has additionally always been vital to empower them to make their own decisions, even if sometimes that means them learning from the occasional mistake along the way.

“I am confident in the team I have around me in both sales and aftersales, and will not be making any changes to the dynamics.

“Thankful for such wonderful managers and staff, I know Sportif will continue to grow and excel in providing outstanding customer service, and with the exciting new range of Citroen products available, and those soon due for release, the dealership is sure to continue its year on year success.”

Miskin and former Sportif Citroen finance director, John Boardman, both announced their intention to retire following the sales of the business after 19 years in business together.

NMC Sportif acquired the business, which had started life as started life as Chelmhill Motors in 1976, in June 1999.

Together Miskin and Boardman grew the car retail business from a two-car showroom and aftersales offering into a seven-car facility.