Vertu Motors

The Vertu Motors group has acquired the global vehicle lighting businesses Powerbulbs and Car Bulbs Direct, to join its existing online car parts retailer, Aceparts.

The Group has purchased the businesses, including the websites powerbulbs.com and carbulbsdirect.com, from Network Brands Limited for £480,000.

Powerbulbs and Car Bulbs Direct will sit within the Group’s Aceparts business, an online supplier of car parts. The move has initially created four new jobs within the Aceparts business, with more expected as they continue to grow.

Aceparts, which was bought by the Group in December 2015, is one of the most recognisable names in the car parts ecommerce sector and the acquisition builds on its presence in the industry.

Ben Friedman, managing director of Aceparts, commented: “Powerbulbs and Car Bulbs Direct create a perfect synergy with Aceparts and will fit in with the existing infrastructure and systems.

“It is a successful specialist business, with a strong presence in Australia, Canada and the US and is very well-known and respected in its field. It is a great bolt-on business for Aceparts and I am delighted we have been able to conclude the deal.

“The pandemic has created another growth opportunity for ecommerce businesses and this acquisition now puts us in a great place to expand from marketplace onto web.”

Photo Caption: From left to right, Matthew Bush (Web Manager) and Ben Friedman (Managing Director).

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF VERTU MOTORS

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

Notes to Editors

Vertu Motors is the fifth largest automotive retailer in the UK with a network of 154 sales outlets across the UK. Its dealerships operate predominantly under the Bristol Street Motors, Vertu and Macklin Motors brand names.

Vertu Motors was established in November 2006 with the strategy to consolidate the UK motor retail sector. It is intended that the Group will continue to acquire motor retail operations to grow a scaled dealership group. The Group’s acquisition strategy is supplemented by a focused organic growth strategy to drive operational efficiencies through its national dealership network. The Group currently operates 150 franchised sales outlets and 4 non-franchised sales operations from 116 locations across the UK.

Vertu’s Mission Statement is to “deliver an outstanding customer motoring experience through honesty and trust”.

Vertu Motors Group websites – www.investors.vertumotors.com / www.vertucareers.com

Vertu brand websites – www.vertumotors.com / www.bristolstreet.co.uk / www.macklinmotors.co.uk / www.vertumotorcycles.com / www.vansdirect.co.uk / www.thetaxicentre.com

/ www.powerbulbs.com / www.carbulbsdirect.com