Local Sytner dealerships to rebrand after takeover

THE YORKSHIRE-based Meridian Motor Group has acquired four West Midlands dealerships from Sytner.

Knaresborough-based Meridian was founded in 2003 and trades as Vantage Motor Group.

The expansion into the West Midlands brings the Lexus brand into the group for the first time, with the acquisition of a dealership at Fort Dunlop in Birmingham. It has also acquired Toyota centres at Fort Dunlop, Solihull and Tamworth.

All will operate under the Vantage banner, with the rebranding accompanied by significant investments in the sites.

Meridian Motor Group was founded by managing director Mark Robinson with the acquisition of two Toyota centres, in Knaresborough and York and an accident repair centre in Knaresborough, which was later sold. The group’s current turnover is £65m, and it employs 186 staff.

In 2007 it bought three Vantage Toyota Centres in Lancashire and in June 2011 the company purchased Vantage Hyundai in Manchester.

Advisers involved in the latest deal included law firms Walker Morris and DLA, along with property consultancy Colliers International.