4:30 pm, January 25, 2018
ONE of Kent and Sussex’s largest motor groups is continuing its expansion with the takeover of five dealerships from a North-Kent family-owned business.
The acquisition of Hidsons Group by the independently-owned JCB Group not only expands JCB’s extensive reach but increases the group’s offering in north Kent.
It also introduces new partnerships with automotive brands Kia, Citroen, Mitsubishi and SsangYong, who were not previously offered by the car dealer’s portfolio.
JCB Group see this purchase as a perfect fit, both culturally and geographically, and an opportunity to further enhance its position as a driving force within the car industry.
The acquisition will add a further six dealerships to the group and takes the number of franchise partners to nine.
JCB Group managing director Jonathan Bischoff said: ‘We are delighted to have acquired this respected and long-established family business and look forward to the challenges of extending our business.
‘I would like to welcome all of the employees of Hidsons to the wider JCB Group family and look forward to the group developing its increasing driving force within the motoring industry.’
Hidsons managing director Nigel Hidson said: ‘Obviously, it’s not without some regrets that we are closing the book on so many years of history by selling our business to the JCB Group and it’s not a step that’s been taken lightly.
‘However, we are confident that our sale to JCB Group will continue both our business ethos and at the same time protect the interests of our staff. In these circumstances, therefore, it’s a step that we are pleased to take.’
The independently-owned JCB Group now employs over 500 staff throughout Kent and Sussex.
Picture: Google Street View
MORE: Dealership sued over ‘missing documents’ for £3.4m supercar
MORE: New managing director appointed at Moneyway
MORE: Stephen takes control at Jennings Kia Sunderland
On Workshop Magazine: Our Kev: This ‘hit targets at all costs approach’ is totally unethical
