Just Car Clinics is pressing ahead with plans to grow its bodyshop network over the next 18 months, despite rumours that it is the target of an RAC bid.

Barry Whittles, Just Car Clinics chief executive, strenuously denies the speculation, and adds: “We have just finished our second year of trading and are very comfortable with our progress.

Going into our third year we are starting to look at making some acquisitions, or even developing greenfield sites.

“But we won’t go more than 50 miles or less than 30 miles from an existing site, so we can share resources, culture and imbed the values of the company.”

The RAC rumours were sparked after a discussion seen on an investor’s website, but a spokeswoman for the organisation also ruled out any bid.

The majority (85%) of Just Car Clinic’s business is direct with insurers. “We have a very strong relationship with a number of insurance companies. I do believe there is a market for retail, but it should be the icing on the cake,” says Whittles.

Just Car Clinics (No2 in the AM50) has 12 sites in the Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire region. In 2003 the group turned over £23m.