Priory sells more sites

PRIORY Motors, part of the Co-operative Group, has announced that it has sold six more of its car dealerships. These are located in Ampthill Road, Bedford, and Southwell...

PRIORY Motors, part of the Co-operative Group, has announced that it has sold six more of its car dealerships.
These are located in Ampthill Road, Bedford, and Southwell Road West and Mansfield. The Pendragon Group, Europe&#039s largest retail motor business, has acquired the sites.
The dealerships cover three manufacturers – Fiat, Honda and Nissan as well as the former M.G.Rover showroom at Mansfield. Between them the dealerships employ 180 people who have transferred to the new owners.
The disposal to Pendragon follows a decision earlier this year by the Co-operative Group to exit the motor trade.
Managing Director, Bill Oliver, said at the time: "To compete effectively, size has become increasingly important and we had to face a difficult choice of whether to invest heavily in the business or take advantage of the current acquisitive market".
In July all of Priory&#039s dealerships in the North East were sold as was its MG Rover site in Nottingham. The latest disposals leave Priory with five showrooms in Kent and the Midlands and an Autopark at Urmston near Manchester.
"Discussions are ongoing with various parties who have expressed interest in the other sites and we expect to be able to make further announcements shortly," said Mr Oliver.

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