The AM100 leader, Sytner, now owns a sixth of the entire UK network of BMW and Mini dealerships, following the completion of its latest takeover.

Its US-based parent, Penske Automotive Group, has announced that it has now completed the acquisition that Sytner revealed was under way in December, adding four BMW dealerships, four Mini showrooms, four Volvo dealerships, two Land Rover outlets and a Porsche centre from Rybrook Group.

It is Sytner's largest expansion with franchised dealerships since its 2012 takeover of Isaac Agnew Group in Northern Ireland.

The dealerships represent around £750 million annual sales revenue, which means Sytner is likely to be a £7.5 billion turnover business by the time the next AM100 research is completed, far larger than rivals.

"We are pleased to expand our brand footprint and increase our scale.  The Rybrook dealerships represent exceptional brands with a strong commitment to providing outstanding customer service. We look forward to continuing this legacy and welcome the Rybrook associates to our team," said Sytner chief executive Darren Edwards.

Last decade, after the Agnew acquisition, Sytner shifted its focus to build a strong used car supermarket division through takeovers of CarShop and The Car People. But this decade, as some OEMs reshape their franchised networks, acquisitions of well-fitting franchised dealerships have been back on the cards for Darren Edwards and his team. In 2022 Sytner acquired the north London market area from Mercedes-Benz Retail Group, adding five dealerships, just months after its takeover of BMW dealer group Specialist Cars.