Northampton-based franchised dealer Motorvogue has expanded with an acquisition of two dealerships from West’s Group.

It follows owners Richard and Ann West beginning to downsize West's last year, selling its Cambridge Renault and Dacia business to John Banks Motor Group.

West’s had been focused on Renault in East Anglia, and suffered from the French brand’s declining market share. Despite adding Citroen in 2013, a year later its Cambridge site filed for voluntary liquidation, which was completed this month by RSM Restructuring (formerly Baker Tilly). It still owns one outlet at Exning.

Motorvogue, headed by Jon Pochin and Peter Norman, has ambitions to become a regional group with economies of scale, and has now taken over West’s Renault/Dacia and Fiat dealerships in King’s Lynn and its Renault/Dacia and Citroen outlet in Bedford.

Pochin, managing director, said: “The acquisitions are a real boost to the wider Motorvogue group, adding renowned brands such as Renault, Dacia and Citroen to our existing brands.

“We have plans to completely redevelop the Kings Lynn site early next year and with the addition of Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Abarth, we will be able to provide the very best choice for customers old and new throughout Norfolk, as well as in Northampton and Bedford.

“We have also been able to take on all of the existing staff who were employed by West’s who are crucial to our ongoing success.”

Professional support for the acquisitions came from corporate law specialist Gerald Couldrake, supported by Matt Thompson (corporate solicitor). Lucy Lord headed the property team who negotiated new long term leases for the two acquisition sites in preparation for Motorvogue’s expansion plans over the next few years. Simon DeMaid provided employment law assistance in relation to the acquisitions.

In 2015, Motorvogue, the trading arm of JAPS Holdings, recorded revenues of £27.2 million, PBT of £179,782 and operating profit of £299,935.