Vertu Motors plc has strengthened its presence in the South West with the acquisition of Rowes Garage Limited.

The outlets operated by Rowes represent the Honda franchise, and are located in Plymouth, Plymstock and Truro. The business also operates a Suzuki franchised outlet in Plymouth, which will continue to operate as a used car outlet and Suzuki authorised repairer on acquisition and will be refranchised in due course.

The business will be rebranded to trade under the Vertu Motors and Bristol Street Motors retail brands immediately, increasing the Group’s representation in the South West.

This latest acquisition follows on from the successful integration of Helston Garages in December 2022 and takes the number of dealerships operated by the Group in the South West to 34.

This is the first time the Group has operated in the major Devon city of Plymouth. It cements the Group’s position as Honda’s largest retail partner in the UK with 17 dealerships.

Rowes has been trading for more than 90 years, growing to become one of the most respected Honda dealer groups in the UK.

Robert Forrester, Chief Executive of Vertu Motors plc, said:“I am delighted to deliver further expansion for the Group in the South West of England following the successful Helston acquisition.”

“The long standing successful Rowes business is a great addition to the Group’s 14 existing Honda sales outlets and increases our presence in the South West where we will operate 34 outlets.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF VERTU MOTORS

CONTACT: Caroline Walker on 01325 363436

Notes to Editors

Vertu Motors is the fourth largest automotive retailer in the UK with a network of 193 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 188 franchised sales outlets and 5 non-franchised sales operations from 144 locations across the UK.

Vertu's Mission Statement is to "deliver an outstanding customer motoring experience through honesty and trust".

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

Vertu brand websites – www.vertumotors.com / www.bristolstreet.co.uk / www.vertuhonda.com / www.vertutoyota.com / www.macklinmotors.co.uk / www.vertumotorcyles.com