IM Group, the UK-based automotive importer and distributor, has purchased Citroën Motors Ireland – including the airside retail operation in Dublin – for an undisclosed sum.
The deal – which will give the group the rights to import and sell Citroën and DS models throughout the Republic of Ireland – will be finalised by September 30.
PSA Peugeot Citroën identified IM Group as being in the best position to support the future business objectives of the Citroën and DS brands, including a planned growth in registrations. Vehicles will continue to be sold through the existing Citroën/DS dealership network.
The IM Group will bring more than 30 years’ experience in the Irish market through the successful import and distribution of Subaru and Great Wall brands, as well as considerable international expertise further afield in the UK, Nordic and Chinese markets.
Chris Graham, former group dealer development manager for IM Group, is appointed managing director to oversee the transition and establish the Irish operation as a separate company within the Group, and will will report to Paul Tunnicliffe, the head of franchises for IM Group’s UK and Ireland businesses.
Under the terms of the acquisition, all employees at Citroën Motors Ireland will become employees of IM Group, and the standalone organisation will be operated separately from IM Group’s existing brands of Subaru and Great Wall.
Andrew Edmiston, the managing director of the IM Group, said: ‘This is an exciting opportunity, both for IM Group and Citroën and DS in Ireland. Citroën has a long and proud history in Ireland, and the range of current and future models will help drive the Citroën and DS brands to even greater success in the coming years.’
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