Marubeni Acquires HPL Used Car Supermarket Group

The owner of RRG and Norton Way, Marubeni Auto Investment, has completed the acquisition of a majority shareholding in three-site used car supermarket business HPL Motors Group.

Headed by former Jardine and Cinch Director, Jason Cranswick, Marubeni Auto Investment is a UK subsidiary of the Tokyo-based Marubeni Corporation. The move sees the addition of used car retail sites in Preston, Oldham and Atherton.

HPL Motors Group founder Jonathan Herman will remain as both a minority shareholder and continue in his role as Managing Director. “I am excited to join the Marubeni family and can see how HPL will really compliment the current Marubeni group structure”, said Herman.

“The synergies of being part of a leading UK automotive dealer group, means that we will be able to develop our combined businesses into incredible mobility provider for the future”

Cranswick, who is Chief Operating Officer at Marubeni Auto Investment said: “Like all sectors globally, the automotive industry is experiencing rapid change and is embracing omni-channel retailing as part of its business strategy for a digital world.

“We have admired how Jonathan has evolved his business to become one of the UK’s best independent used car supermarkets. This acquisition will enable our wider group to innovate further and to deliver incredible customer experiences with long-term shareholder value.”