A Derbyshire firm which makes all-terrain performance vehicles has been snapped up by Jaguar Land Rover for an undisclosed sum.
Bowler, which is headquartered in Belper, has been bought by JLR to be part of its Special Vehicle Operations division which is based in Warwickshire.
Established in 1985, Bowler makes dedicated off-road competition cars, achieving success in international rally raid events.
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JLR has said the expertise the firm had amassed for all-terrain vehicle dynamics, low-volume production techniques and durability of components under extreme conditions was “highly sought after”.
Bowler already has close links with Land Rover. In 2012, the two companies entered a brand partnership, which led to the Defender Challenge by Bowler rally series from 2014 to 2016.
Following the JLR deal, Bowler will continue to operate from its Belper premises for the foreseeable future.
Michael van der Sande, managing director of JLR Special Vehicle Operations, said: “For almost 35 years the Bowler name has stood for innovation and success, with a reputation forged by its participation in the world’s toughest off-road motor sport competitions.
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“It’s exciting that we’re now in a position to participate in and lead the Bowler brand’s future as part of Jaguar Land Rover.
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“At Special Vehicle Operations we are all eager to start working with our new colleagues at Bowler.
“Adding the Bowler team’s skills and experience to those of SV, Vehicle Personalisation and Classic is a key step in our strategy to create an exciting and diverse portfolio of products and businesses within Special Vehicle Operations.”