Jardine Motors Group has acquired three Toyota dealerships in Ipswich, Colchester and Frinton-on-Sea and a Lexus dealership in Ipswich from Thorndale Investments for an undisclosed sum.

The latest deal comes hot on the heels of the group's purchase of Wayside Group last month, the most significant deal in the sector for several years.

Jardine Motors operates 82 predominantly premium and luxury franchises from 62 sites in the UK, employing just under 3,000 staff and with a combined 2010 turnover of over £1.25 billion. It operates under the Lancaster, Scothall, Appleyard, Minories, Abridge, Cloverleaf and now, Wayside brands.

Thorndale’s 2010 turnover was £33m and it employs 92 staff.

Alun Jones, Jardine Motors Group chief executive said: "We are delighted to have acquired the Thorndale dealerships and growing our relationship further with Toyota and Lexus which are key brand partners for the group both in the UK and in Asia".

• The impact of Jardine Motors’ acquisitions on its standing in the AM100 will be revealed in the forthcoming analysis of the top 100 dealer groups in the UK by turnover at the AM100 Dinner on June 16 at Chesford Grange, Warwickshire, and in the dedicated feature in the June issue of our magazine.