Lookers is set to acquire its first dealerships in Scotland.

The dealer group has signed an agreement with John Martin Group to acquire two Volvo centres in Glasgow and Hamilton.

The acquisition increases Lookers’ Volvo outlets from two to four in the UK, and also represents its first Volvo outlets in Scotland.

Initially, Lookers will continue to operate short-term rental agreements in the existing locations. However, the group plans to relocate the dealerships to its existing Premier Automotive Group sites in Glasgow and Motherwell.

Lookers, which trades under the Taggarts brand in Scotland, will relocate one of the dealerships to its multi-franchise Mazda, Jaguar and Land Rover site in Motherwell, and locate the other at its Jaguar outlet in Maryhill Road, Glasgow. These relocations will be completed in the early part of 2006.

Ken Surgenor, Lookers’ chief executive, said: "In line with our stated strategy, this acquisition complements our existing PAG businesses in the Glasgow market area and strengthens our offering of prestige brands.

"We fully expect this business to contribute positively to earnings in the next financial year and look forward to realising economies of scale in the region."

The deal is expected to complete before the end of the month.