Owners sell off 38 Gemini Accident Repair Centres

The 38-site bodyshop network of Gemini Accident Repair Centres has been sold by its founder and chairman Tim Hopkins, 16 years after he started the business with a single site.

In what is believed to have been a multi-million pound deal, Gemini has been acquired by Steer Automotive Group, which now has a vehicle repair network of 162 bodyshops spanning from Cornwall to Scotland.

Gemini's managing director Dave Sargeant and finance director Phil Coleman will stay with the business and join the Steer leadership team.

Hopkins said: "I would like to pass on my deepest gratitude to my incredible Gemini team for their unwavering hard work and loyalty. To our valued customers and insurers, thank you for your continuous support and trust.

"I am confident that Steer Group is the ideal successor for our business. Their commitment to investment and future-oriented plans ensures that you will all have long-term job security and exciting opportunities ahead."

The most recent accounts for Gemini show it had grown turnover to £62 million in 2022, with pre-tax profits of £1.4m. It has a workforce of more than 600 staff.

Steer Automotive Group chief executive Richard Steer said: “We are proud to welcome Gemini's exceptional team into the Steer family. Gemini's innovative repair proposition and steadfast dedication to outstanding service have set an industry benchmark. Their business model, which consistently delivers top-tier service to their valued clients, will greatly enhance our operational capabilities.

"This acquisition strengthens our commitment to service excellence across the UK, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the automotive repair sector and continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

With the support of private equity investors, Steer has completed more than 20 acquisitions since 2021, consolidating accident repairers and expanding from its core passenger car repair market into luxury car repair, commercial vehicle repair and technical services.

It has also increased its number of manufacturer accreditations to 43 including brands such as Porsche, Rolls Royce, Bentley, McLaren, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, JLR, Tesla, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen Group, Stellantis and Ford.