• Existing high performing partners to expand strategic Nissan portfolio with acquisition of West Way dealer group sites
• Exciting opportunity for partners as Nissan launches new range of electrified products
• Transfers expected to be completed by end of August
• Existing c.450 employees will transfer to new investors
Following the recent announcement of its future Ideal Network Plan that looks to build a sustainable business for partners and address the evolving needs of customers, Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd. today announces the sale of its 13 owned West Way sites.
The acquisitions will be completed by the end of August, with around 450 West Way employees being transferred to the new investors.
Existing high performing partners are set to take over the dealerships as part of plans to strengthen their strategic Nissan portfolio.
Yeomans will acquire sites in Aldershot and Basingstoke. Glyn Hopkin will take on the dealership in Mill Hill, and Hendy will acquire the Southampton business.
The remaining nine West Way sites in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Rochdale, Stockport, Altrincham, Coventry, Stourbridge, Oldham and Manchester, including Head Office and group support functions, are being bought as a group.
Andrew Humberstone, managing director of Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd., said: “We have conducted a strategic review of our business operations to focus on sustainable profitability for the future, aligned to our global Nissan NEXT transformation strategy.
“West Way is a high performing business that delivered record results in 2021 and provides excellent levels of customer service. This, combined with the launch of Nissan’s exciting and electrified new products, ensures it is a very attractive proposition for these investors.
Great experience
“They are able to leverage the synergies of their existing business units and ensure these dealer sites can continue to grow and maintain the great experience our customers are accustomed to receiving.”
The divestment of the West Way sites is part of a wider strategic move for Nissan, designed to meet industry challenges and build a sustainable business with its partners for the future, while remaining focussed on delivering an excellent customer experience.
Nissan’s Ideal Network Plan, revealed last week, recognises the need for Nissan to evolve its business operations to tackle the future transition to electrification, increased digitisation of the customer journey and changes to consumer needs.
Under the new plan Nissan will have a UK representation of around 140 sales sites and approximately 180 service centres. This will ensure an excellent customer sales experience and a service proposition that is very similar to today.
Jon Roberts, current Managing Director of West Way, said: “I would like to personally thank our colleagues that are integrating into new businesses in the south for their dedication and contribution to the group over many years. This is a really exciting time for the remaining sites at West Way that are being acquired as a group which will allow them to build further on the tremendous success in more recent years, with 2021 being a record result. As part of this, West Way will also see the required investment in the businesses to elevate them to the next level.”
James Smith, managing director and chairman of Yeomans, said: “We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with Nissan in Aldershot and Basingstoke. This acquisition will take us to 7 outlets with the brand whom we have represented since our first site opened in Worthing in 1986. It is an exciting time for Nissan in the UK with the launch of ARIYA and new electrified powertrains across the range, we look forward to sharing a successful future.”
Paul Hendy, chief executive of Hendy Group, added: “The Hendy Group are delighted to be part of an exciting future with Nissan, and the Southampton acquisition is testament to our commitment to the brand. We look forward to welcoming our new colleagues to the group and building on the great work that they have done as a team.”
Fraser Cohen, managing director of Glyn Hopkin, said: “We are very pleased to be adding Mill Hill to our existing 13 Nissan dealerships. It’s a renowned flagship facility covering a very significant market and strategically makes perfect sense given the markets we already cover. We are looking forward to welcoming all the staff at Mill Hill into the Glyn Hopkin Group and are very confident that we can work together to maximise this excellent opportunity at such an exciting time for the Nissan brand.”