Big Motoring World targets £1bn+ turnover with acquisition of Carshop sites

Big Motoring World has acquired three dealerships from CarShop, Sytner Group’s used car supermarket division.

This acquisition follows the opening of three Big sites in 2023 and represents a continuation of Big Motoring World’s aim to achieve national coverage.

CarShop’s Norwich and Sheffield sites are reopening with the Big Motoring World branding this month. The newly completed Camberley car supermarket will open later in the year.

It expanded into the Midlands last autumn with the takeover of two car supermarkets which were operated previously by ID10 rival Available Car.  

The group said it is determined to grow its network to become the clear market leader in the car supermarket sector. This would require it to overtake Motorpoint.

Laurence Vaughan, Big Motoring World chief executive said: “The CarShop acquisition will take group turnover to more than £1 billion on an annualised basis, approximately doubling since 2022 and represents a huge step towards achieving our medium term plans.

“We have managed to substantially grow Big whilst delivering strong profits in a market that many competitors have found extremely challenging.”

Vaughan added: “The Big Motoring World model is built on providing outstanding value to customers backed up by excellent customer service. I am confident that we can continue to grow our brand to be the outstanding business in our sector.

“I’d like to welcome the more than 170 CarShop team members who have joined Big and assure them that we will invest in what are already good businesses to help take them to the next level.

“I should also like to thank all of my colleagues who have worked so hard on this transaction and on delivering for all our stakeholders regardless of market conditions.”

Peter Waddell, company founder sold part of his stake in Big Motoring World to investor Freshstream which led to Waddell being ousted from the board and he lost a High Court battle to be reinstated. Waddell remains the majority shareholder, nevertheless.