1:34 pm, November 11, 2026
Hendy Group is planning to sell four of its dealerships to Vertu Motors as part of a major shake-up of its retail operations, according to a message to staff seen by Car Dealer.
The proposed deal, as explained in the internal communication to Hendy staff, would see Vertu take control of two Jaguar Land Rover dealerships and two sites in Exeter.
The four businesses included in the agreement are Hendy Jaguar Land Rover Southampton, Hendy Jaguar Land Rover Christchurch, Hendy Geely Exeter and Hendy Car Store Exeter.
The plans were outlined in a message published on a platform called ‘Hendy Hub’, which appears to be an internal staff portal.
In the communication, titled ‘Important update on four Hendy Group sites’, the company says it has reached an agreement with Vertu over the proposed sale.
It adds that a consultation process has now begun, with employees at the four locations expected to transfer to Vertu if the deal goes ahead.
Hendy Group was approached for comment and told Car Dealer: ‘We do not comment on speculation regarding changes in Hendy Group’s portfolio of brands and locations.’
Car Dealer also approached Vertu Motors for comment on the proposed transaction and is awaiting their response.
The value of the deal has not been disclosed and it is unclear when the sale is expected to complete.
The development comes just days after Hendy Group’s non-executive director Daksh Gupta warned of the financial pressures facing Jaguar Land Rover retailers as Jaguar moves towards a lower-volume future.
Speaking on the Car Dealer Podcast, Gupta questioned how dealers would cover the overheads associated with expensive JLR showrooms when fewer vehicles were passing through them.
He said: ‘These facilities were built with Jaguar Land Rover in mind, in terms of a facility.
‘If you haven’t got a freehold and you’ve got a lease, how do you cover that overhead?
‘Because the volumes that probably would have been planned to go through those facilities is going to be lower.’
Gupta, who previously ran Marshall Motor Group, said retailers had invested heavily in JLR’s Arch facilities, which were designed to accommodate significantly higher sales volumes.
He suggested new Range Rover products could help compensate for some of the lost Jaguar business but warned that dealership overheads remained a major challenge.
His comments were made before the proposed Hendy disposals emerged, and there is no indication that the two JLR sites are being sold specifically because of the pressures he described.
The proposed sales come as Hendy continues efforts to turn around its fortunes following a challenging financial period.
The group recorded a pre-tax loss of £18.1m in 2024, with its accounts also warning that 2025 was likely to be loss-making.
It has also been undergoing a major shake-up of its senior management team, with former chief operating officer Simon Bottomley returning to the business following the departure of Duncan McPhee.
Bottomley’s appointment as a director of Hendy Automotive Limited was confirmed in Companies House filings this morning (Nov 11), just minutes after McPhee’s directorship was terminated. McPhee is due to become chief executive of Athenea on November 16.
During the same podcast appearance, Gupta acknowledged the challenges facing Hendy, saying: ‘We’re obviously doing all the right things to get that business into a position where it should be because it’s a fantastic business.’
In the message to staff about the proposed disposals, Hendy said: ‘Over the past few years we have taken significant steps to build a stronger and more sustainable business.
‘While we have made positive progress, we must ensure Hendy Group is equipped to thrive in the face of changing market conditions, manufacturer strategies and customer expectations.’
It added: ‘For the next phase of our transformation programme, we are adapting our retail representation in key territories, focusing on where we can be most effective and profitable.’
Addressing the potential impact on employees, the message continued: ‘Subject to the consultation process which has now commenced, the impacted colleagues employed at these locations are expected to transfer employment to Vertu.
‘We will, of course, support all affected Hendy colleagues at every stage of the transition process.’
The proposed acquisition would see Vertu expand its dealership portfolio with two further Jaguar Land Rover sites, as well as adding Geely representation in Exeter.
Pictured top: Hendy Jaguar Land Rover Southampton/Google Maps