Vertu Motors acquires new vehicle lighting businesses

Vertu Motors has acquired global vehicle lighting businesses Powerbulbs and Car Bulbs Direct, to join its existing online car parts retailer, Aceparts.

The AM100 PLC confirmed this morning (August 12) that it had purchased the businesses from Network Brands Limited for £480,000.

Powerbulbs and Car Bulbs Direct will sit within the Group’s Aceparts business, an online supplier of car parts - acquired in December 2015.

The move has initially created four new jobs within the Aceparts business, with more expected as they continue to grow, Vertu said.

Ben Friedman, managing director of Aceparts, said: “Powerbulbs and Car Bulbs Direct create a perfect synergy with Aceparts and will fit in with the existing infrastructure and systems.

“It is a successful specialist business, with a strong presence in Australia, Canada and the US and is very well-known and respected in its field. It is a great bolt-on business for Aceparts and I am delighted we have been able to conclude the deal.

“The pandemic has created another growth opportunity for ecommerce businesses and this acquisition now puts us in a great place to expand from marketplace onto web.”

Vertu Motors recently appointed Steve Rowe as its new group sales director as it recruits 50 new head office employees to improve online sales and customer relationships.

Vertu Motors' Bristol Street Motors division has continued its multi-franchising push with the addition of Hyundai in Sunderland and its first MG Motor UK dealership in Carlisle.

Vertu chief executive officer, Rob Forrester will appear on ITV’s Undercover Big Boss tonight (August 12) as he goes undercover to gain insight into life on the showroom and workshop floor.

Last month AM gave readers an early look at the trailer for the series, revealing an insight into his disguise and some insight into his experiences.