Mansfield Group and Ontime Automotive to merge

Recovery operators Mansfield Group and Ontime Automotive Assistance are set to merge, forming a specialist firm with a turnover in excess of £40m.

Stoke-on-Trent based Mansfield Group confirmed today (6 August) that Bidvest Group, parent company to Ontime Automotive, had acquired a majority shareholding, with Mansfield founders Darrrell and Joanne Mansfield retaining a minority holding.

In a statement the pair said they would remain with the business: “We are both extremely excited to be taking The Mansfield Group to the next level with Bidvest. Looking forward, we are confident that we will continue to deliver strong financial growth whilst maintaining excellent levels of service for our customers."

Mansfield, which provides vehicle recovery and breakdown services to major motoring organisations, police forces, councils and government agencies, across the north of England and West Midlands, will now merge with the Rescue and Recovery and Parking Services division of Ontime Automotive.

Grant Thornton’s Ali Sharifi, who formed part of the team that advised on the deal, said: “Mansfield has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years and represented a very attractive proposition. The deal with Bidvest will allow the company to benefit from geographical synergies, which were a big part of the business case for this transaction.”

Bidvest is also parent to catering firm and own-account operator 3663.