Platinum Motor Group is expanding with Hyundai and Suzuki through its latest acquisition.
It has taken over Pebley Beach, a two-site dealer group with Hyundai and Suzuki franchises in Swindon and a standalone Suzuki dealership in Cirencester.
Pebley Beach's owner and managing director Dominic Threlfall, who outlined its inspiring levels of customer service at an AM Customer Service Summit in 2016, is retiring.
His business won the AM Award for Excellence in Aftersales in 2015 and was hailed the Franchised Garage of the Year in 2014 by Motor Codes, the organisation overseeing industry codes of practice.
Platinum operates a number of dealerships across the South West and operates a wide portfolio of brands including Hyundai, Renault, Vauxhall, Nissan and Toyota, but Suzuki is a new addition to its portfolio.
Jeremy Cuff, managing director at Platinum Motor Group, said: "Pebley Beach is a well-established business in Swindon and Cirencester and we're looking forward to integrating our operations as they continue to provide a top-class service to the region's drivers.
"Dom's leadership and the good work of his team has created and maintained a business that is highly respected locally and within both Hyundai UK and Suzuki UK. It's renowned for providing excellent service and customer care. With Dom's decision to retire, it is now our job to ensure that the good work and reputation of the business is maintained well into the future."
Threlfall (pictured) said: “As always, when deciding to leave an industry, it’s tinged with a mixture of happiness and sadness. But the time is right to move on.
“In the Platinum Motor Group ownership and their respective team, I found the same core values and a lot of synergies. Consequently, I feel very confident in the future for the team members and customers. I leave the business in very capable hands to take it to the next level.”
Mark Naughton, partner at FRP Corporate Finance, a longstanding advisor to Platinum’s parent company, Renrod Holdings, said: "By expanding geographically and building on its portfolio of brands, this acquisition presents an excellent strategic fit for Platinum as it builds its presence across the South West.
"Inflation and high input costs have impacted many automotive dealers and acquisitions such as this helps to build economies of scale and leave operators well placed to capitalise on increasing demand as market conditions improve.”
An award-winning journalist and editor, with two decades of experience covering the motor retail industry, and accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) plus the National Council for the Training of Journalist (NCTJ)
As editor of AM since 2016, Tim is responsible for its media content, planning and production across AM's multiple channels, including the website, digital reports, webinars, social media and the editorial content of AM's events, Automotive Management Live and the AM Awards. His focus is on interviewing senior leaders of franchised dealer groups and motor manufacturer national sales companies to examine latest developments in UK motor retail.
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