Swansway Group has acquired North West based Thompson Motor Company.

Thompson operates three Audi centres in Blackburn, Preston and Carlisle, along with three Volkswagen Group TPS operations in the same areas.

Chairman Michael Smyth said: “We have long admired Thompson Group, there’s a great synergy between our two businesses; both Northern based, both family owned and run and both believing that engaged and motivated staff produce happy and satisfied customers”.

“Swansway already operates Audi centres in Crewe, Stafford and Stoke, along with TPS operations in South Manchester and Trafford, this acquisition brings that to six Audi centres and four TPS operations, really significant growth for the group,” added Michael.

The acquisition means Swansway, founded in 2003, will have more 1,100 employees and a turnover in excess of £700 million.

Thompson Motor Company founder and managing director Stuart Thompson said: “I started the business in 1999, it’s been very much my baby.

So, when I felt the time was coming for me to retire I knew that the Swansway ethos of caring, honest and proud would fit perfectly with the way Thompson Motor Group has always done business”.

“Although I’ll miss all my staff, I know that together Thompson and Swansway have a very bright future and I wish them every success.”

Thompson (green) and Swansway (black) Audi centres (Source: www.am-online.com/ami. Free to dealers)