Priory Motor Group has acquired Herbert Robinson as both groups seek to take advantage of potential bulk buying 'fleet-type' discounts. The move creates a £209m turnover, 27-outlet business.

A merger of the two groups' parent companies, CWS (Priory) and CRS (Herbert) – both part of the Cooperative Group- sparked the purchase, described as “a paper transaction”.

A spokesman said the move , which will see both companies keep their trading names, would “strengthen buying power” in anticipation of future volume fleet-type discounts from carmakers.

Priory chief executive Neil Arnold said: “We have strengthened our ability to deliver improved prices, marketing opportunities and lower costs.”