Imperial Commercials has acquired Macclesfield-based DAF service centre AM Bell after the retirement of directors Stella Bell and Mick Cope.
AM Bell has been purchased as a going concern with all current staff transferring to the new business. It will be re-named Imperial Commercials Macclesfield.
Steve Affleck who was appointed as regional director for Imperial Commercials’ Stoke-on-Trent region in July, said: “This acquisition has allowed us to expand our footprint into a key area. The business is well established and already boasts many loyal DAF customers, and we will continue to deliver those high service levels to which they have become accustomed – indeed, we will strive to exceed them with additional technicians and parts lines, including DAF Trucks’ exceptional TRP [Truck and Trailer Parts] range of all-makes and trailer parts.
“With investment into key areas of the business,” he said, “we forecast strong growth on the back of our excellent aftersales offering.”
Imperial Commercials Macclesfield will fill a ‘strategically important location’ for Imperial Commercials as it looks to build on its position as the UK’s largest independent commercial vehicle dealer.
The location, on Leek Old Road, Sutton, now forms part of the Imperial Commercials’ Stoke-on-Trent region which also includes sites in Stoke-on-Trent, Wrexham and Deeside near Chester.
Facilities in Macclesfield comprise a five-bay workshop, an ATF lane and tachograph centre. All prerequisite modern workshop equipment is included in the deal and is staffed by six skilled technicians. Imperial has already begun recruitment for additional workshop staff at the business.
Imperial Commercial MD Matt Lawrenson added that the acquisition further supported Imperial Commercials’ growth strategy for its UK footprint within the DAF dealer network.
“DAF Trucks is a key strategic trading partner for Imperial Commercials,” he said, “with our values very much aligned and our brands combining well to deliver service excellence for our extensive UK customer base. AM Bell is an important service point, an excellent business and will fit seamlessly into our Stoke-on-Trent Region.”
Pictured: Mick Cope (left), retiring managing director at AM Bell, alongside Jon Stubbs, general manager Imperial Commercials Stoke & Chester.
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