Scottish motor retailer John Clark Motor Group has bought Aberdeen-based van dealer Clark Commercials.

The takeover includes its 2.2-acre site in the Dyce area of Aberdeen and van rental fleet, a Budget car and van rental operation at Aberdeen airport and a multi-franchised sales operation at Dunfermline, branded MotorChoice.

Clark Commercials will continue to operate under its existing trading name, as a separate company within the John Clark Motor Group, selling all makes of van.

It will retain all of the 38 employees, taking John Clark Motor Group’s total workforce under the expanded group, to more than 650 staff.

John Clark Motor Group chairman and managing director John Clark said the acquisition enlarged the group’s operating base and broadened its car and LCV sales in the north and east of Scotland.

“It is a stepping stone towards our development of a comprehensive Scotland-wide operation, and fits well with future strategic development plans,” he added.

With the new acquisition on board, John Clark Motor Group expects to build turnover by more than £20 million to a projected £300 million for the current financial year.

It will also increase the group’s vehicle sales by 1,500 vehicles, mainly light commercials.

Clark Commercials was established in 1978 as an independent supplier of new and used light commercial vehicles.

Directors Graham and Terry Clark will leave the business following a short handover period.

They have not revealed their plans for the future, although Graham Clark also has a motorsport business.

In 1983 Clark Commercials took on the local franchise for Budget car and van rental, and in 2001 it established the MotorChoice multi-franchise vehicle sales business.