AM100 dealership parent swoops on Johnsons Cars

Dubai-based conglomerate AW Rostamani, the investment group behind AM100 dealership group Brayleys Cars, is set to acquire Johnsons Cars to create one of the UK’s top ten automotive retailers.

Together, the combined business will operate 79 franchise sales outlets nationwide, representing 21 automotive brands and employing nearly 2,000 staff.

The deal which is expected to complete by the end of June through AW Rostamani's Athenaeum International Holdings also includes the £936 million-turnover business’ TPS Centres, Fleet Services, and group support functions.

Johnsons Cars, founded in 1999 after acquiring Johnson Brothers, currently ranks 19th in the AM100 and represents 16 brands, with particular strength in the Volkswagen Group portfolio - Volkswagen, Seat, Cupra, and Škoda.

The acquisition will also bolster the group’s representation of Mazda, Suzuki, Hyundai, and Honda, making it the largest Honda dealer group in Europe by volume.

Since Athenaeum’s initial investment in Brayleys Cars in 2018, its portfolio has expanded further with the acquisition of nine West Way sites from Nissan GB in 2022. Brayleys currently operates 30 franchise sales points and ranks 36th in the AM100 with a turnover of £552 million.

The share purchase deal means Athenaeum will acquire all operational entities, staff, and naming rights associated with Johnsons Cars.

José Blanco, CEO of Brayleys, described the acquisition as “an exciting new chapter.”

"Johnsons Cars is a highly regarded and well-run business that perfectly complements our existing brand portfolio and geographic footprint," he said.

"The shared values between our teams and our combined strength in key manufacturer partnerships make this a natural fit for the next step in our growth trajectory.”

Mike Berwick, Johnsons' chief executive, said: “After 26 years of Johnsons Cars, it was incredibly important to find the right business to carry it forward.

"Following careful consideration by the board, we’re confident that the new owners share our values and have the vision and means to create continued success for our staff, brand partners, and customers.

"I want to sincerely thank our dedicated team, loyal brand partners, and valued customers all of which have been instrumental in shaping Johnsons Cars into the business it has become.”

Johnsons Cars was advised by Cooper Parry's David Kendrick and Sam Rotherham. Kendrick told AM: “Johnsons has grown significantly over the years and this move by AWR really demonstrates their commitment to the UK auto sector. Johnsons fits perfectly between their existing businesses and allows the shareholders an elegant exit from the industry. Further international investment into the sector isn’t a bad thing, that’s for sure!”