JCB continues expansion with acquisition

JCB has announced its latest acquisition of a car dealer group to expand its South East operations.

Ashford Orbital represents brands including Kia, Mazda, Suzuki, Volkswagen and Renault, and operates from its 2.5-acre site in Ashford which was purchased from Drake and Fletcher back in 2008 by Jeff Wilson and Oliver Barford.

Jonathan Bischoff, managing director of JCB Group said: “The Ashford Orbital business has been one that I have had my eye on for some time. Jeff and Olly have built a fantastic business on a very attractive freehold property that sits adjacent to some of our other businesses, therefore it complements the portfolio perfectly”.

Jeff Wilson, managing director of Ashford Orbital said: “We are proud of what we have achieved with our team in Ashford, however it feels the right time to pass the business on to a larger group who can further develop and grow it. We would like to thank our amazing team and wish Jonathan and JCB all the best for the future.”

The deal was managed by David Kendrick and his automotive team at UHY Hacker Young who represented Ashford Orbital Limited with the sale.