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01/09/2025
Athenaeum International Holdings Ltd, the investors that bought Brayleys Cars Ltd has completed its acquisition of Johnsons Cars Ltd, marking a significant milestone in the strategic growth of its UK motor retail operations.
The acquisition brings together Johnsons Cars Ltd and Brayleys Cars Ltd, creating a major force in the UK automotive retail sector. Combined, the group now operates 79 franchise sales points across the country, representing 21 leading automotive brands, supported by a workforce of close to 2,000 colleagues. In addition to the dealership network, the acquisition included Johnsons’ TPS Centres, Johnsons Fleet Services, and group support functions.
Founded in 1999 following the acquisition of Johnson Brothers, Johnsons Cars Ltd has established itself as a highly respected name in the UK motor trade. The business has grown to represent 16 brands, with particular strength in the Volkswagen Group portfolio covering Volkswagen, SEAT, CUPRA and Škoda. The acquisition boosts the representation of Mazda, Suzuki, Hyundai and Honda, further securing the business’ position as Honda’s largest European dealer group by volume.
This move aligns its long-term ambition to position the UK operations among the country’s top ten dealer groups.
The transaction is a share purchase, meaning the entirety of Johnsons Cars Ltd has been acquired, including all operational entities, staff and naming rights. While the business will evolve over time, the intention is to ensure continuity and stability for colleagues across the business. The acquisition is seen as a vote of confidence in the future of the UK motor retail industry and the people who drive its success.
José Blanco, Chief Executive Officer of Brayleys, said: “This is an exciting new era for the company. Johnsons Cars is a highly regarded and well-run business that perfectly complements our existing brand portfolio and geographic footprint. The shared values between our teams and our combined strength in key manufacturer partnerships make this a natural fit for the next step in our growth trajectory.”
Mike Berwick, Chief Executive Office of Johnsons Cars Ltd said: ‘“After 26 years of Johnsons Cars, it was incredibly important to find the right business to carry it forward. Following careful consideration by the board, we’re confident that the new owners share our values and have the vision and means to create continued success for our staff, brand partners, and customers. I want to sincerely thank our dedicated team, loyal brand partners, and valued customers all of which have been instrumental in shaping Johnsons Cars into the business it has become.”
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