Howard Basford, the privately owned independent accident repair group, has acquired Manchester based bodyshop Gateway Autos.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is hard on the heels of the company’s recent purchase of North Wales bodyshop Roberts & Ellis of Mold.

The latest deal comes just weeks after the appointment of an administrator at Gateway’s Trafford Park premises and brings the number of sites now operated by Howard Basford to nine.

“We are delighted that this provides our business with key representation on the west side of Manchester to supplement Howard Basford’s operation in Stockport, and this move enhances our overall service to Manchester and the surrounding area”, said Howard Basford chairman, Tracy Howard.

Howard Basford already have sites at Aintree, Birkenhead, Ellesmere Port, Stockport, Crewe and two sites in Warrington. With the two new sites in Mold and Manchester the business turnover will be more than £20 million.