Group 1 Automotive, a Fortune 250 automotive retailer, has significantly expanded its U.K. footprint by acquiring Inchcape Retail’s (IR) automotive operations, which include 54 dealership locations. This acquisition is expected to generate $2.7 billion in annual revenues, bringing Group 1’s 2024 year-to-date total acquired revenues to $3.8 billion.
“This significant acquisition effectively increases our presence in the UK, providing access to new markets across England with a range of exceptional brands,” stated Daryl Kenningham, President and CEO of Group 1. “We are excited to welcome our new team members as we work together to ensure an exceptional customer experience.”
With the addition of IR’s 54 dealerships, Group 1 expands into key hubs such as the Midlands, the North West of England, and Wales. This expansion enables the company to reach new customers and broaden its brand offerings in the U.K. The acquired dealerships represent a wide range of brands, including Audi, BMW/MINI, Jaguar Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz/smart, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
Daniel McHenry, Group 1’s Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, noted that Inchcape Retail and its team bring a 50-year reputation to Group 1’s U.K. presence. He mentioned that the strategic acquisition aligns with the company’s capital allocation strategy, allowing them to identify opportunities that create additional scale and value for their shareholders.