Mercedes-Benz dealer Jacksons has bought neighbouring franchisee Tony Purslow Group in move which has doubled its scale.

The takeover adds Mercedes dealerships in Basingstoke, Guildford and Hindhead to Jacksons' existing sites in Dorchester, Poole and Salisbury and boosts its workforce to 300 staff.

It will also take annual turnover above £100m, securing Jacksons a place in the AM100.

Following its takeover in 2007 by South African businessman Roy McAllister, Jacksons has gone from strength to strength each year since, becoming Mercedes' retailer of the year in 2009 and showing year-on-year growth of over 40% in 2010.

It is current holder of AM's used car retailer of the year award.

Le Roy Muntingh, Jacksons’ managing director, said that the company had been looking to expand for some time and the purchase of Tony Purslow presented a perfect and timely opportunity.

“It is not only the size of the Tony Purslow group and its close proximity to our existing retail locations that makes the acquisition an ideal fit,” said Muntingh.

 “As a privately-run company, Tony Purslow has operated in a similar vein to us since 1995, with high levels of efficiency and a flat staffing structure that engenders quick decision making at the heart of its success.

"With an unstinting commitment to customer service and the highest quality staff, both groups have become established within the top performing Mercedes-Benz Market Areas and this acquisition creates an organisation of real strength that will boast a turnover in excess of £100 million.”

He added: “As was the case when we purchased Jacksons, nothing will change from an operational point of view and both market areas will continue to run separately for the foreseeable future.”