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Big and getting bigger; repair group steers ahead

Ina further sign of global repair conglomeration, major UK repair group Steer has bought out another chain of shops that specialises in fleet and hire vehicles.

The latest move announced in August to acquire Komoo Limited completes multiple buy-outs for Steer Automotive Group where it has actively sought and bought large scale MSOs across the UK.

Komoo Limited provides dedicated repair services to vehicle rental and fleet businesses and has a network of fleet repair sites located near airports and vehicle storage hubs.

In a statement to the market, it said the move aligned with Steer’s vision of becoming a leading provider of superior automotive repair services across a wider market, providing strategic diversification in the repair market.

“These strategically positioned sites enable Komoo to offer swift and efficient repair services, minimising downtime for clients. Their proximity to major transportation hubs allows for seamless logistics, ensuring that vehicles can be serviced and returned to operation quickly.”

Like other recent acquisitions Street will keep key staff with Managing Director of Komoo, Carl Henderson, Director of Komoo Dale Peart, and Operations Director Jordan Ashmore will remain at the helm of the company.

Steer Automotive Group Chief Executive Richard Steer welcomed the Komoo staff to the group.

“The acquisition will boost our repair capabilities, expand our service footprint and diversify our market presence, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the automotive repair sector and continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients and our industry.”

Komoo MD Carl Henderson also said it was a significant step forward for the fleet specialist.

“This integration will enable us to leverage Steer’s extensive resources, enhancing our ability to deliver rapid, high-quality repair services to a broader customer base,” Henderson says. “We are eager to begin this new chapter and contribute to Steer’s growth and success.”

Auspicious stars

The pace of consolidation has continued in the UK as the  leading repairer has spent more than six months expanding with new acquisitions and capabilities.

Gemini Accident Repair Centres was integrated integration into the Steer Automotive Group in July adding all 37 Gemini sites, plus Gemini’s Head Office, to Steer’s extensive network.

The Steer group has integrated staff and management from the acquisitions with Managing Director Dave Sargeant and Finance Director Phil Coleman continuing to oversee operations and controls. CEO and founder Tim Hopkins has handed over control and left the business.

“These are exciting times as we enter a new era, and I am proud of this alliance,” Gemini Accident Repairs managing director Dave Sargeant says.

“This transaction unites two leading businesses, enhancing our repair capabilities across the UK. It significantly broadens Steer’s presence, and I look forward to working with Richard Steer and the team. I thank Tim for an incredibly successful 15 years, during which we grew the business from a single site to 37. We at Gemini wish him all the best.”

Founded in 2008 by Tim Hopkins, Gemini grew from a single-site operation to a semi-national network.

Steer Automotive Group CEO Richard Steer says Gemini is renowned for its dedicated customer relationships, innovative training and apprentice programs and with high levels of service that have established an outstanding and successful business model.

“Their repair process will further enhance our mutual client relationships and performance, developing and improving client experience delivery across the UK.

“We are proud to welcome Gemini’s exceptional team into the Steer family,” Steer says.

“Gemini’s innovative repair proposition and steadfast dedication to outstanding service have set an industry benchmark. Their business model, which consistently delivers top-tier service to their valued clients, will greatly enhance our operational capabilities. This acquisition strengthens our commitment to service excellence across the UK, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of the automotive repair sector and continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

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The Steer network now stretches the length of the UK from Edinburgh to Cornwall. Gemini Accident Repairs will maintain its brand under the name, Gemini Accident Repairs, part of the Steer Automotive Group.

Prestige repairer into the fold

Just prior to the Gemini acquisition Steer also took over Chartwell and M&A Coachworks, two prestige repairers.

“This strategic move significantly bolsters our capabilities in the luxury vehicle repair sector, expanding our luxury repair footprint and increasing capacity to effectively support the world’s leading OEM factory recommendations, approvals and its highly valued dealership retailer partners,” Steer said in a statement.

Chartwell, established in 1966, and M&A Coachworks was established in 1971 and the two collective organisations hold recommendation and approval for iconic luxury brands such as Porsche, Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, McLaren and Maserati.

Chris Brightmore, Managing Director of Chartwell, remained operationally responsible for the Chartwell business, while at M&A Coachworks, George Dionisiou stepped down as chairman. Dean Dionisiou, Sales Director and other family members remained in the business with Danny Rota as Managing Director.

“These iconic brands represent the pinnacle of the luxury repair market. We are dedicated to preserving the heritage of these esteemed businesses, which are strongly associated with the world’s premier supercar brands.” Steer says.

Innovate and grow

The move into luxury brands follows the expansion in March with the acquisition of six Innovative Repair Group sites, established in 1999. The acquired sites are in Wales (Whitland, Swansea, and Pontypridd) and England (Bristol, Birmingham, and Wolverhampton).

The March acquisition opened a new geographical catchment area for Steer in South Wales, and the addition of sites in Wolverhampton and Birmingham introduced a hub model to their operations.

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