AGL activates growth plans with trio of acquisitions
Halifax-based Activate Group (AGL) has acquired a trio of brands in the vehicle repair, insurance claims and technology sectors as it looks to boost turnover by 40% in the next 12 months.
The fleet incident management, risk management and insurer solutions specialist says it expects to announce further acquisitions and partnerships in the near future.
AGL has acquired Sopp + Sopp, a Peterborough-based commercial and fleet repair specialist, Car Repair Network (CRN), a Yorkshire-based personal lines repair and engineering management provider, and Vigilance – a specialist claims technology company which supports insurers in the fight against fraud.
The business is led by executive chairman Mark Woods who is joined by chairman Mark Wilcox.
“I’m very excited to officially unveil the AGL group of companies today,” said Woods. “From a standing start, AGL can provide customers with access to a nationwide network of over 500 independent vehicle repair specialists, over 120 staff including an in-house engineering workforce and a wide range of innovative technologies.”
Wilcox added: “The brands we have acquired are well established with strong customer relationships in the fleet management, corporate and insurance markets. These relationships will be carefully nurtured and maintained with the immediate benefit of an expanded group capability that can provide tailored solutions for clients.”
AGL has also made a number of appointments to support its growth plans.
Within individual business units, Sopp+Sopp managing director Jamie Sopp remains in place to lead the business. He is supported by an executive team comprising Matthew Henson, operations director, Callum Langan, head of account management, Martin Key, network manager, and Paul Dagless, financial controller.
Car Repair Network is led by COO Hannah Wilcox and general manager Lauren Probitts.
Vigilance is led by its founder Ryan Venter who continues in his role as managing director.
“This is a business full of opportunity.” added Woods. “AGL is focused on combining the very best from its people, technology and a nationwide, independent repair network to deliver a competitive product. I am pleased we have been able to attract colleagues of the calibre of David, Shaun, Peter, Jon and Sarah and look forward to making further announcements as we grow and develop AGL.”
