12:29 pm, July 9, 2026
Arnold Clark looks set to acquire Glasgow Seat dealer W.Livingstone Ltd after six-and-a-half decades in family control.
A letter seen by Car Dealer reveals that the Uddingston-based Seat retailer is proposing to transfer its business to the Car Dealer Top 100 leader, in a deal which is expected to be wrapped up on August 7.
The memo, sent to staff from company secretary Jan Livingstone, confirms that the proposed sale would ‘affect all members of staff employed by the company’.
It also invites workers to nominate employee representatives as part of the process, with individual consultations also set to take place with staff.
It states: ‘Following our recent discussions, I am writing to confirm the proposal to transfer the business of W.Livingstone Ltd to Arnold Clark Automobiles Limited.
‘This transfer would affect all employees employed by the company, with effect from the date of transfer which is 07 August 2026.
‘Affected employees are entitled to nominate and elect “employee representatives” to represent them during the lead up to the transfer.
‘If you want to elect representatives, please submit your written nomination directly to me by Monday 13 July 2026.
‘It is our preference to hold individual consultations with you therefore in the event you do elect representatives we will still look to consult with you individually.’
Car Dealer has attempted to contact bosses at W.Livingstone Ltd for comment.
Founded by William Livingstone in 1961, the firm has remained under family ownership for 65 years, passing through three generations.
Since becoming a Seat dealership in 1991, the business has won a number of awards, including being named Scotland’s Garage of the Year on four occasions.
Speaking about the proposed sale, one insider told Car Car Dealer: ‘It was a sad day for the Livingstone family and it was a very emotional announcement, given the company has been trading 65 years.’
If completed, the acquisition would further strengthen Arnold Clark’s already extensive presence in Scotland, adding another established franchised dealership to the group’s network.
The behemoth retailer already represents Seat at two sites in Edinburgh as well as dealerships in Glasgow in Linwood.
Car Dealer has approached Arnold Clark for comment.
