CPP follows Spyker wth acquisition of Bowler Off Road

COVENTRY based CPP Global Holdings has strengthened its stake in the specialist automotive sector with the acquisition of high-performance off-road vehicle manufacturer Bowler in an undisclosed deal.

The deal comes just three weeks after CPP announced it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to acquire the assets of the Spyker sports car business from its Dutch parent Spyker Cars in a £27m deal.

Bowler Off Road, based in Derbyshire, is best known for the manufacture of the Nemesis high-performance cross-country racer. Its previous Wildcat model was also well known in rallying circles.

Viewers of TV’s Top Gear will be familiar with both models as they have been used by presenter Richard Hammond to complete a series of speed challenges, one racing a powered kayak over a glacier.

Brendan O’Toole, managing director of CPP, said: “This acquisition is positive news for fans and customers of Bowler vehicles.  I have followed the brand closely for several years and am delighted to have the opportunity to take the Bowler brand to new heights on the basis of very exciting plans.”

He said the development was another step in CPP’s strategy – hinted at when the MoU with Spyker was announced – to compile a portfolio of complementary specialist automotive businesses.

Drew Bowler, managing director of Bowler, said the company would now be able to expand and reach its full potential, backed by the financial and advanced technical resources of CPP.

“CPP will bring first-rate commercial and manufacturing expertise to our business, ensuring it meets the quality and integrity that our customers will expect.  And there are dramatic plans for the business over the longer term,” he said.

The acquisition also explains the recent decision by CPP to recruit a further 40 engineers to work on various projects.

Bowler was founded by Drew Bowler in 1999 and produces its Nemesis high performance off-road racer, based on current Land Rover technology, to meet the FIA T1 specification for the World Cup Cross Country Championship.  Several Bowlers run by private customer race teams have completed the gruelling annual Paris-Dakar Rally over the last decade.

Development and engineering will remain at Bowler’s current facilities in Belper, although production, including that of the Nemesis EXR road-going variant from early 2012, will be transferred to CPP in Coventry.

CPP said further plans would be announced in due course.