Vertu Motors has added to its franchise portfolio with the acquisition of MSB Skoda in Darlington.

The parent company of Bristol Street Motors has purchased the site located on McMullen Road for £1.5million.

The site will operate as Bristol Street Motors Skoda Darlington. The current team will remain in post under general manager Tia Saddique.

Chief executive of Vertu Motors Robert Forrester said: “It is great news that we have added Skoda to our group. We are continuing to develop by adding to existing franchise relationships, as well as exploring new manufacturer partners.

“This acquisition increases the group’s total number of sales and aftersales outlets to 117, and will enable us to generate further profitable growth for our shareholders and wider choice to our customers.

“It will be business as usual at Bristol Street Motors Skoda Darlington. Customers will be safe in the knowledge that there will be familiar faces, backed by the ethos of unrivalled customer service and satisfaction that Bristol Street Motors prides itself on.”