Stoneacre buys dealer

Automotive retailer Stoneacre is continuing to expand, with the acquisition this week of Chesterfield-based Autoworld for an undisclosed sum.

The Doncaster company, which represents 13 brands, including Ford, Peugeot and Volvo and is the largest Suzuki dealer in Europe, last year bought Staffordshire-based Randle Motor Group, boosting group turnover to an estimated £440m.

Autoworld represents Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Hyundai, Seat, Suzuki and Volvo, as well as motorcycle brands Triumph and Harley-Davidson.

Autoworld’s previous owners, the Priestnall family, are said to be exiting the automotive industry.