Van Mossel Automotive Group has now broken into the AM100 after acquiring Breeze Motor Group and Ocean Automotive for an undisclosed sum.
The deal covers nine dealership locations, two body repair centres and a parts distribution warehouse across Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne and Yeovil.
The expansion follows the Dutch group’s entry into the UK with its acquisition of Jacksons Group in 2023. That deal gave the group a foothold within the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Isle of Wight.
This latest take care of Breeze and Ocean is a component of Van Mossel’s European expansion plans to construct scale in each market.
The scale of the UK business is now likely past £500m, which takes it into the highest 40 largest dealer groups by turnover.
Evaluation of the highest 100 dealer groups within the UK was released this week, with the AM100 full report available to view now.
Eric Berkhof, Van Mossel Automotive Group chief executive, said the twin acquisition represented “a logical next step” for the corporate within the UK.
He said: “Each groups have established a powerful regional footprint in Southern England. This acquisition strengthens our position and opens the door to further growth. We stay up for a successful collaboration with each corporations and continued expansion within the region.”
Each newly acquired groups will operate under Van Mossel Automotive International, the division chargeable for all activities outside the Benelux region.
Breeze Motor Group represents Volkswagen Passenger Cars and Business Vehicles, Suzuki and Ducati, and is a Volkswagen parts distributor through the Trade Parts Specialist network.
It also operates Breeze Campers, a camper and lifestyle van hire business.
The group runs six dealership sites and a parts warehouse, generated a turnover of £155 million in 2024 and employs greater than 250 people.
Breeze managing director Mark Langford said: “It’s with great pleasure that I announce we now have reached an agreement with Van Mossel Automotive Group following careful consideration.
“Over the past 25 years, under the unwavering leadership of John Corderoy, Breeze Motor Group has built a powerful fame with a loyal customer base.
“Van Mossel’s investment and expertise will further strengthen our representation and customer offering going forward, and we’re excited for this next chapter for Breeze Motor Group.”
Ocean Automotive represents Audi and Volvo and operates three dealership locations plus two body repair centres.
The group recorded a turnover of £179m in 2024 and serves areas including Yeovil and Poole.
Gail Polkinghorne, managing director of Ocean Automotive, said: “We’re pleased to announce the completion of the acquisition of Ocean Automotive, following a powerful 25-year journey in Poole and Yeovil.
“The management team would really like to precise its gratitude for the leadership and dedication shown by David Kelly through the years.
“We’re excited to grow to be a part of the Van Mossel family. We share many core values and are obsessed with seeing our teams grow and thrive and continuing to deliver excellence in all elements of our service.”
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
