Tustain Motors Group, which operates seven retail sales and repair sites across Tyneside, Northumberland and south-east Scotland, has been acquired in a management buyout (MBO) led by managing director Kevin Robson.
The deal, accomplished at the tip of July sees the £41m turnover group, which posted pre-tax profits of £1.1m last 12 months, move into recent ownership.
The corporate opened its seventh site earlier this 12 months in Cramlington – the previous Evans Halshaw Automobile Store at Manor Walks – and expects turnover to exceed £50m in 2025.
Founded in 2010 by industry figures John Tustain, Brian Baxter and David Storey, all former Bristol Street Motors executives, the group initially operated two Vauxhall dealerships in Ashington and Alnwick.
By 2016 it had expanded to Berwick-upon-Tweed, Haddington and Hawick, before adding an independent sales and repair site in Monkseaton in 2018.
Today, Tustain Motors trades primarily as a used vehicle retailer and Bosch Automobile Service business, while continuing to represent Isuzu as a brand new vehicle franchise and operate as a Vauxhall authorised repairer. The business sold greater than 2,300 retail units in 2024.
The brand new leadership team comprises Kevin Robson as managing director, alongside business director Chris Shutt and finance director Helen Guy. Co-founders Brian Baxter and David Storey will remain involved as co-chairmen in an advisory capability.
Robson, who joined Tustain in 2012 as a sales manager at Ashington, rose through the ranks to turn into group operations director in 2023 before leading the buyout.
Shutt, a former senior executive at Drive Motor Retail, was recruited earlier this 12 months to strengthen the MBO team. Guy, who joined as group accountant in 2010, now steps as much as finance director, bringing extensive experience in motor trade finance.
The group will proceed its long-term funding relationships with Lloyds Bank and Stellantis Financial Services.
Outgoing managing director Brian Baxter said: “I’m delighted that now we have been in a position to pass the business to the subsequent generation of management, preserving the culture and values which are so precious to us. The sale has allowed us to see the Tustain Motors name proceed and secure the longer term of our loyal work colleagues.”
Incoming MD Kevin Robson added: “I’m delighted to have the chance to proceed the legacy of Tustain Motors and take the corporate forward together with Helen and Chris.”
Pictured: Back row (l-r) is Brian Baxter and David Storey. Seated are Kevin Robson, Helen Guy and Chris Shutt.
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
