Wingrove Motor Company, a family-run motor retailer based in Wallsend, North Tyneside, has been acquired by automotive giant Arnold Clark.
The company, which was the largest family-owned and operated motor company in the North East, had been running various motor franchises across the region for nearly a century.
The business, founded in 1925 by Newcastle cattle auctioneer John Myers Dalkin Snr, operated four centres in the North East, including showrooms in Silverlink, North Tyneside, and Fenham, Newcastle, a body shop in Cramlington and a prep centre near Shiremoor, North Tyneside. Now, just eight months shy of its centenary, the business has been bought out by Arnold Clark, Europe's largest privately-owned family automotive business.
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The acquisition has led to the closure of Wingrove's Fenham site, but all 97 staff members, including those from the closed Newcastle site, have been transferred to the new owners. Arnold Clark has reassured customers and employees that it will be business as usual, with all services continuing under a new name.
The financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed, and the Wingrove sites have now been rebranded to Arnold Clark.
A spokesperson for Arnold Clark said: "We are going to carry on the 100-year-old family business which has now moved into the family of Arnold Clark, and all jobs have been protected which is great news, and it will carry on trading as normal. All the same staff, all the senior managers and all the same services will be available - all that has changed is the name on the building."
Josh Parker, managing director at Wingrove Motor Company, said: "I would like to personally thank all our loyal customers and dedicated staff that have supported us over the 99 years Wingrove has been in operation.
"While the family have taken the decision to step away from the motor trade, we will be forever grateful for the people that have journeyed with us over the years. We wish all the staff and customers a smooth transition to Arnold Clark and we’re sure that you’ll continue to find outstanding deals and friendly customer service."
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Arnold Clark Automobiles Ltd, one of Europe's largest car dealer groups, began with a single showroom in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1954. Founder Sir Arnold Clark used his demob money from the Royal Air Force to purchase a Morris Ten Four for £70, which he restored and sold for profit.
Today, the company is Europe's largest privately owned car retailer, boasting over 200 dealerships across Scotland and England, representing more than 25 manufacturers. The group's revenue increased by 1% to £4.965bn in 2023, according to accounts filed last month.
Meanwhile, the most recent accounts for Wingrove Motor Company Limited show revenues rose from £30.5m to £37m in 2022.
Gavin McKenzie, brand director at Arnold Clark, said: "We'd like to thank everyone at Wingrove for their decades of hard work and can assure customers that they can expect great value for money and excellent service at the new Arnold Clark branches, as well as a fantastic selection of new and used cars. We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new locations."