A buyer has been found for Bristol vehicle repair firm WBC Automotive (WBC), securing 41 jobs.

Joint administrators Richard Tonks, of Baldwins Accountants, along with Alistair Wardell and Eddie Williams, from Grant Thornton UK LLP, have overseen the sale of Warmley-based WBC to TST Cardiff. It trades as Innovative Repair Group.

The Innovative Repair Group (IRG) employs more than 200 staff across an independent network of 10 vehicle repair centres in South Wales and England, offering vehicle repair and maintenance services.

WBC has 41 employees operating from a 44,000 sq ft workshop.

The firm works directly for insurers, accident management companies, fleet managers and consumers.

The rescue comes after WBC originally entered administration earlier this month after experiencing a slow return on investment from upgrades to its property, plant and machinery.

Peart, from IRG, said: “This is a great acquisition of a fantastic repair facility and is a perfect fit for our business model. We welcome all 41 highly trained staff members into the IRG group and look forward building on the great reputation of the business.” 

Tonks, director at Baldwins Restructuring & Insolvency, said: “It is fantastic to secure a sale that preserves employment in advance of the Christmas period, which is a testament to the high quality operations carried by WBC.”

Wardell, advisory partner at Grant Thornton, said: “The level of interest in WBC was a testament to the quality of the business and having considered the offers received it is great to complete a sale that allows the business to continue under IRG.”