Transaction Takes Total Number Of Motus-Operated DAF UK Sites To 29

Truck and light commercial vehicles dealer group, Motus Commercials, has completed the acquisition of the business interests of F&G Commercials’ four DAF dealerships, along with a commercial body-building operation and a vehicle repair centre.

Motus Commercials was already the largest DAF dealer group in the UK and Europe and the four F&G sites, at Manchester, Barnsley, Huddersfield and Oldham, now bring the total number of Motus-operated DAF sites across the country to 29.

Matt Lawrenson, Motus Commercials managing director, said: “We know the DAF products and have developed a strong relationship with the manufacturer over many years, and the acquisition of F&G Commercials has been a carefully thought-out decision. I can assure customers and suppliers alike that it is our intention to build on the already solid support levels provided by F&G, overlaying those with our own group strengths and expertise. We will be focussed 100% on supporting past, present and future customers with new and used vehicle sales, as well as comprehensive service and parts back-up.”

Emma Callow, Corporate partner at the Birmingham office of Irwin Mitchell, led a team at the national law firm which advised Motus Group on the deal.

Expert Opinion

“We are delighted to have advised Motus on this latest deal. This is a significant strategic purchase for the Group which will no doubt cement its position as the leading DAF dealership in Europe.” Emma Callow - Partner

Motus Commercials is a division of Motus Group (UK) Ltd, a subsidiary of Motus Holdings Ltd, a diversified (non-manufacturing) South African JSE listed company with interests in the automotive sector and founded initially as a single car dealership in 1948. Today, it turns over close to £4.5 billion and employs some 18,300 people across its operations in South Africa, the UK and Australia.

Motus Group (UK) Ltd holds the automotive interests of its parent company in the United Kingdom, which includes amongst others, S&B Commercials, Orwell Truck & Van and Pentagon Motor Group. Together, its business includes 123 vehicle franchise outlets at 79 locations, of which its truck and van operations currently number 92 franchise outlets, and passenger vehicle operations number 31. 

Already encompassing the UK’s largest independent commercial vehicle dealer group, and with its passenger vehicle interests included, Motus Group (UK) Ltd. ranks inside the Top 15 of all UK automotive dealer groups. The company has annual revenues of over £1 billion and employs some 3000 people across its operations.

Motus Group (UK) CEO, Rob Truscott said: “We are very comfortable with our DAF involvement, as this acquisition shows. We have a clear, well-established strategy of seeking out opportunities to expand our Group business: we are committed to growth. Not growth at any price, but growth where we see real opportunity at sensible investment levels. The acquisition of these six important sites delivers on this for us and will now do so for customers.”