AkzoNobel Car Refinishes is selling off its distributor network, Bodyshop Services.

The sale has been agreed in principle to independent refinish distributor Grove Motor Colours.

Ownership of the Bodyshop Services sites in Glasgow, Preston, Cardiff and Wetherby is expected to transfer to London-based Grove at the end of July 2009.

The distributor will continue to trade as Bodyshop Services and will continue to supply both the Sikkens and Lesonal brands to the refinishes market. Personnel at all four branches will be retained.

 

The sale of Bodyshop Services is in line with AkzoNobel Car Refinishes’ strategy to continue to grow the market share of its Sikkens and Lesonal brands within its independent distributor network.

The company will carry on supporting its customers through its local sales and technical support teams, and via its network of national independent distributors.

 

“Grove Motor Colours is well placed to take the business forward and we believe that our customers will benefit from their extensive knowledge of the vehicle refinishes market and understanding of customer needs,” said Mike Harris, regional business manger at ANCR.

“Following the divestment of the business, we will maintain our focus on supporting key distributor partners to win and retain quality business via our insurer, work provider and O.E.M vehicle manufacturer relationships.”

 

The sale of Bodyshop Services does not affect ANCR’s direct supply capabilities for the CV market and RBS wholly-owned sites. The central warehouse facility in Leicester will also remain unchanged.