Expansion-hungry Marshalls strikes again

Auto retailer Marshall Motor Holding has bought south of England-based Ridgeway Garages. The deal, worth £106.9 million, sees Marshalls add 30 franchised operations and 12 brands to its growing business portfolio, which is now at 103 franchises. Although there is some brand crossover between the two groups, new to Marshalls is Mercedes-Benz Commercials, while it has also acquired Ridgeway’s five stand alone used car outlets, two bodyshops and a parts business.

Marshall chief executive Daksh Gupta shares a connection with Ridgeway, as he was managing director between 2007 and 2008 and maintained a consultancy role with the group until last year. The deal follows on from Marshall’s 2015 purchase of London-based SG Smith, and formed part of the retailer’s wider plan to build its business in the affluent south and east of the country.