Steer Automotive Group acquisition commences London expansion plan

Steer Automotive Group has acquired the 11-site Artis Accident Repair Centres business to begin the latest phase of its expansion plan – in and around London.

The move comes five months after Steer laid claim to the title of “UK’s fastest growing accident repair group” after completing the acquisition of Tyne Tees Vehicle Repair Group (TTVRG).

Through its latest acquisition Steer, whose chief operating officer is BookMyGarage.com non-executive director and former Lookers and Stratstone aftersales director Gavin Ruddick, has grown its scale to 37 sites with 700 staff and the capability to repair 70,000 vehicles per annum.

Established around the M25, Artis began operating in 2017 and recently added new locations in Borehamwood and Grays.

Commenting on the acquisition, Steer Automotive Group chief executive Richard Steer said: “We recognise the significant investment and success that Artis have established across their estate, holding 11 key manufacturer approvals and supporting many of the UK’s leading insurer clients.

“Focusing on London forms the next phase of our business strategy and connects the Steer Group across the Midlands, the North East and Scotland, growing our geographical footprint and increasing our operational capability to an unprecedented level.”

Artis Accident Repair Centres managing director Jamie Smithyes will be joining the operating board of Steer as part of the acquisition and will continue to lead his senior management team through the next phase of the business development.

Steer said: “We’re delighted to welcome Jamie and his senior team to our operation and look forward to an exciting future together.

“I’d also like to thank Paul Pancham for helping to make this deal happen and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Smithyes said: “We’re all very excited to be joining the Steer family and as a management team, we’ll be staying in place to ensure the continued successful running of the Artis business.”