Steer Automotive Group has acquired Lovells Auto Body Centres and Pronto Accident Repair Centres for an undisclosed sum.
Lovells and Pronto’s have 11 bodyshops across the East of England complements the current East Midlands’ footprint.
Lovells Auto Body Centre emerged in 1972 from the Lovells family garage which was first established in Peterborough during the 1930s.
Chris Hammond & Duncan Exton acquired the business from Geoff Lovell in 2001, growing the business to the combined 11 sites.
Lovells and Pronto have approvals from carmakers, including BMW, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz Van, Audi, VW Skoda Seat, Kia and Hyundai.
The operations team will remain in place to continue the day-to-day running of the business, reporting to Steer management.
Hammond and Exton said: “When we decided we wanted to sell the business it was clear from the outset that Richard and the team at Steer were the best cultural fit for us.
“The deal was transacted in a swift and professional manner, and we have the utmost confidence we’re leaving our customers, colleagues and the business in good hands. We wish them all the very best for the future and look forward to seeing the progress the business makes in the coming months and years under Steer’s stewardship.’
Steer Automotive Group CEO Richard Steer said: “This acquisition is not just about expanding our footprint; it’s about integrating Lovells and Pronto’s expertise with our own. Their reputation for high quality repairs combined with first class customer service, sets us up to further extend our reach into the East of England.”