Steer continues acquisition trail with Vertu Newcastle repair centre

Steer Automotive Group has acquired Vertu Accident Repair Centre Newcastle from Vertu Motors for an undisclosed sum.

The accident repair group said the Newcastle location will support its nine-site North East England operational region to generate additional capacity for its insurer client partners.

Richard Steer, Steer chief executive, said the acquisition would build on the group’s opportunity to become the leading accident repair business in the region.

He said: “The Vertu Newcastle location provides a strategic fit which builds on our existing nine site Steer North East operation.

“Myself and our colleagues across Steer Automotive Group are excited to welcome the team from Vertu and we look forward to working with them.”

Steer has been rapidly expanding throughout the UK with acquisitions over the last 12 months including AW Accident Repair Centre, 11-site Artis Accident Repair Centres and Tyne Tees Vehicle Repair Group (TTVRG).

The business also opened its 28,000 sq ft flagship location in High Wycombe in October last year, which specialises in repairing premium and luxury vehicle brands.

The addition of Vertu Accident Repair Centre Newcastle, rebranded Steer Newcastle West, to the existing Steer Group takes the combined operation to 61 sites with 1,421 staff.