John Clark Motor Group has significantly increased its workforce in Tayside and Fife after a move to buy out four dealerships from Pendragon.
The deal, which has been completed for an undisclosed sum, will see two dealerships in Perth’s Motor Mile come under the John Clark Motor Group (JCMG) umbrella along with a further site in Cupar and a location in Edinburgh.
A total of 101 staff across the four garage sites are moving to become employees of JCMG in the north-east.
The dealerships consist of two Land Rover outlets and two Jaguar forecourts the first time that JCMG has represented the famous marque.
“The additions to our portfolio will further strengthen our place at the forefront of the Scottish automotive sector and serve as a platform for future growth,” chairman and managing director John Clark said.
“We are delighted to welcome the staff from the four acquired sites to our team.
“As a customer focused business we understand and recognise the importance of the role our employees play in representing our brand and building the business for the future.
“The employees from the acquired dealerships and their loyal customers offer a solid base for us to build on.”
The family-owned business now employs more than 900 people in total and has 11 automotive brand franchises across 21 sites in Scotland, including a significant number locally.
“Our people are our most valuable asset and we are committed to investing in their continued development,” Mr Clark said.
“Our newest team members will experience this commitment almost immediately through our induction and in-dealer training programmes.”
JCMG saw a third consecutive year of growth in 2012 with turnover increasing by 15% to £355 million and net trading profits climbing by 16% to £5m.
The group sold almost 8,500 new cars and more than 7,000 used vehicles during the course of the year.
Revenues in the first quarter of 2013 hit a record high of £108m.
Neil McInnes, head of corporate finance Scotland for Grant Thornton, said: “The acquisition of these four businesses enhances the existing brands and geographies supported by the John Clark Motor Group and supplements the continued growth in the existing business.”
Stuart Brown, regional director, Bank of Scotland commercial banking, said: “We are convinced it will be highly successful for Jaguar and Land Rover as well as the John Clark Motor Group.”