Peter Jones, who recently left Bramall & Jones to join Lookers as an operations director, has bought 375,000 shares in his new employer.

His £337,500 investment has bought him a a 0.21% shareholding in Lookers.

Lookers announced last month that Jones was joining the Manchester-based dealer group. He has retained a stake in Bramall & Jones, the regional Audi dealer group he established with Tony Bramall.

Industry observers suggest his appointment may precede Lookers' acquiring BMW and Audi businesses. Lookers' franchises already under his care already include Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Chrysler Group, Peugeot Citroen and Alfa Romeo.