Steer Automotive Group has acquired AW Accident Repair Centres’ outlets in the East Midlands, including Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Derbyshire
Founded in 1998 by CEO Andrew Walsh, AW Repair Group now has 12 centres, employing 200 staff. Turnover in 2021 was £18.3m.
The group opened a new centre in Boston in December 2020 and Libncoln in March 2021. Four of its centres are now Tesla approved.
Walsh will continue to promote key sustainability and ESG programmes within a consultancy role.
The AW team will remain in place across the business to continue the management of AW Repair Group within the Steer Group.
The acquisition takes the combined operation of the Steer Group to 55 sites with 1,000 staff and the capability to repair 85,000 vehicles per annum.
Richard Steer, chief executive said: “Our strategic focus remains on successfully operated and established regional businesses which grow our reach and further increases our repair capacity.
“AW Repair Group has invested heavily across its whole estate, achieving key manufacturer approvals and insurance company relationships.
“They have also made significant investments in their people with a clear focus on bringing forward a new generation of talent through their Training and Apprentice Academy.
“In addition, AW Repair Group is recognised for pioneering sustainability throughout their repair process and achieved the coveted PAS2060 Carbon Neutral Standard across all their locations. AW was also an early adopter of the EV repair capacity with every one of their colleagues receiving EV Ready training. These are all key areas that complement our strategy and vision for the future.”
Walsh said: “I have known Richard for a long time and our vision for the future of accident repair is very much aligned. The time is right for a combined force to drive the industry forward in the next stage of vehicle repair and technology.
“I would like to sincerely thank all the AW team, work partners and suppliers for the part they have all played in the success of AW Repair Group. It has been a fantastic journey and I am very proud of what we have achieved together.”