Entrepreneur John Batchelor claims to have a team of experts and investors ready to build a portfolio of automotive businesses.

In December 2005, Batchelor bought Solvitol, the automotive chemical business whose brands include Nilco and Add-It. It was put into administration in August and subsequently sold to James Briggs Ltd by its administrators.

Now Batchelor says he wants to build a group of companies that offer synergies and serve customers at every level of the automotive supply chain.

“As with all our acquisitions over the years, we look at a mix of funding, some of which leverages the assets of the business, but that is offset by the cost savings associated with the amalgamation of several companies into a group. This principle works whatever the market sector, but also inevitably includes some private investment,” he adds.

He is open about his aim to build a group and exit within five years to recoup his investment. “With a fresh outlook and perspective, the aim will be to utilize a company’s strengths and seek out new partnerships with like-minded companies, thereby establishing a growth plan and securing its future.”