D.M. Keith Motor Group has bought Suzuki dealer group Colin Appleyard for an undisclosed sum.
Colin Appleyard represents Suzuki in Bradford, Keighley, Ashton-Under-Lyne and Huddersfield.
It was founded by the late Colin Appleyard in 1971 and run by his son Robin Appleyard since 2010.
The acquisition, D.M. Keith’s first venture with Suzuki, sees the group grow to 19 businesses across 14 sites with forecast 2024 turnover of £300m. The group represents BYD, Cupra, Ford, Honda, Kia, SEAT, Skoda and now Suzuki.
D.M. Keith has expanded in recent years, most recently acquiring Ringways Ford and Kia in Leeds in 2021.
Dougal Keith, managing director of D.M. Keith said: “We have been growing steadily over the last few years as part of our vision of being in the top 50 Motor Groups.
“Now with the Ringways acquisition now well bedded in, the acquisition of Colin Appleyard comes at a perfect time, allowing us to expand further within the territory and gives us a scaled entry point with Suzuki.
“My senior leadership team and I have been considering other brands for some time now and Suzuki has been one we have seriously considered having seen its success and growth.
“We are very excited about the future and look forward to welcoming the Colin Appleyard team into the DM Keith Group.”
Robin Appleyard of Colin Appleyard said: “The business has been a huge part of our family all my life and I have enjoyed every minute and worked with some fantastic people. Both my sons have successful careers of their own, so with no succession and seeing the continued consolidation the time was right for me to step back.”
The deal was managed by David Kendrick and the automotive team at UHY Hacker Young who represented Colin Appleyard.
Kendrick said: “Colin Appleyard is one of the most successful and largest Suzuki dealer groups in the UK. They have an amazing brand and reputation, and it makes absolute sense for DM Keith to add this business to their growing portfolio.
“It certainly won’t be the last deal of the year, never have I seen so much activity in my 20 years of automotive M&A.”