International Motors has acquired Showells (Garages) Ltd of Lye, Stourbridge, which represents all three of IM's Japanese marques, saying, “This strategic investment has been made to develop marketing methods to exploit business opportunities presented by the new Block Exemption regulations.”

The management team at Showells (only six miles from the importer's West Bromwich HQ) – brothers Brian, Mark and David Showells – will remain in place, and no IM staff will be installed.

IM says the acquisition of the dealership is primarily an element in the company's 'long term strategy to develop new retailing methods and operating standards to optimise the benefits of Block Exemption'. Bob Edmiston, IM Group Chairman and Chief Executive, said: "Our entire Subaru, Isuzu and Daihatsu dealer networks should benefit from this move. However, Showells will not enjoy any competitive advantage over other dealerships and will succeed or otherwise on its own merits.

Showells (Garages) Ltd was originally founded by the father and uncle of the current management. The dealership underwent extensive redevelopment two years ago and is conveniently placed close to the M5 motorway and Merry Hill Shopping Centre. There are currently no plans for further acquisitions.