Automotive advisory and benchmarking firm ASE has sold its professional services division to Armstrong Watson, and ASE's motor retail taxation expert Michelle Malone will now head Armstrong Watson's automotive team.

The specialist automotive tax, audit and accountancy team has joined Armstrong Watson at a new office based in Cheadle, Greater Manchester.

It comes a year after ASE Automotive Solutions was bought by Canadian software investment firm Valsoft, leading to the exit of ASE's high profile chairman Mike Jones.

ASE broadened its services to dealers and global vehicle manufacturers over the decades, including its merger with Trevor Jones Accountants in 2009.

Rob Jones, former director of ASE said: “There has never been a more critical time for the automotive sector to focus on what is important to them in terms of business. We hear first-hand the complexities faced by dealers from across the UK, these issues are wide-spread and are impacting significantly.

"At ASE we recognised that dealerships and their owners need the trusted specialist advisory of a firm like Armstrong Watson who have a long history of offering accountancy and financial advice across the sector.

"I am confident Armstrong Watson will be the turn to first firm for Automotive advisory, we are delighted that the acquisition has happened and look forward to working alongside the team during the transition.”

Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson chief executive, added: “The automotive sector is in a state of change, with reports of significant strain whether it is supply constraints, economy or simply the current impacts of these issues on profitability.

"Never has there been a more important time to consider the impacts these issues have on business.

"Working with the ASE team we want to be recognised as the trusted sector specialist accountants offering a full range of services following on from the good name of ASE Professional Services.

"We have invested in the team and also new offices based in Manchester, we look forward to welcoming all clients and partnering with sector influencers for the benefit of privately owned, family owned, owner managed dealerships and independents alike, this is also an exciting time and Armstrong Watson which is perfectly placed to help our clients to prosperity, a secure future and peace of mind."