Wayside Group has acquired its first BMW/Mini franchise after purchasing the dealership in Milton Keynes from Pendragon.

The business changed hands on October 1 after a brief period of negotiation. It is the third of four BMW/Mini sites that Pendragon has been told to sell by the manufacturer.

Specialist Cars bought the Tring dealership in Hertfordshire while the Windsow site has closed. Pendragon is still in talks with buyers for its Taplow, Maidenhead, showroom.

Richard Forman, Wayside chief executive, said that while the group wasn’t targeting the BMW franchise in particular, the dealership fell into the heart of its territory.

“It was a specific opportunity that we thought was a good fit for the business,” he said.

“There are a lot of synergies for us – we have a BMW approved bodyshop and we have a strong corporate operation.”

He has taken on all the staff and says the operation will continue to trade from the same dealership for now.

“We are very happy with the team. We expect to benefit from sharing our ideas with them and from them sharing their ideas with us.”

Forman added: “There is a lot of scope to improve the business and add value, and improve the customer offer and the customer base. We have a big advantage in being a local player.”

Wayside also operates five VW car, two VW van, three Audi and one Citroen car/van showrooms in the Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire area. Turnover in the June AM100 was £239m placing the group at No 34.