Snows has acquired Picador Group based in the south of England for an undisclosed sum.
Picador has two Vauxhall dealerships and also holds the service and repair franchise for Renault and Dacia.
Around 90 Picador staff from across two Hampshire locations in Sholing (Southampton) and Chandler’s Ford, near Eastleigh, will join Snows.
Picador turned in pre-tax profits of £1.5m on turnover of £41.2m in the year to March 2022. Due to supply issues its Vauxhall retail sales fell to 313 compared to 376 last time.
But its used car sales soared to 2,071 from 1,560 last time. And aftersales revenues were also up at £5.2m compared to £4.6m in 2021.
Neil McCue, chief operating officer for Snows, said: “We are very excited to take on this great business and warmly welcome Picador staff to Snows. It’s not difficult to see why Picador is a great addition to the Snows family.
“Like Snows, Picador was established 60 years ago with a well-respected name in the region and loyal customers, who we hope will choose to enjoy the same excellent standards and service from us.
“This exciting acquisition enables us to offer new and used Vauxhall cars and vans and used car sales, plus repairs and servicing for both the Renault and Dacia brands.
Prior to the acquisition of Picador, Snows represented 17 brands across 48 dealerships, with three approved service centres, 12 multi-franchise used car centres and a stand-alone Accident Repair Centre, employing a total of 993 staff.
Picador’s trading name will change to Snows on 1st September. Pictured (l to r) are Graham Jacobs, Picador CEO, and Neil McCue, chief operating officer for Snows.