A CAR dealership with branches across the North-East is expanding after acquiring a new franchise operation in West Yorkshire.

Bristol Street Motors, which is part of the UK’s seventh largest motor retailer, Vertu Motors, has bought a Vauxhall franchise dealership operation in Keighley, West Yorkshire from Walter C Brigg.

Based on the Crossings Business Park, the dealership will be will be the 14th Vauxhall dealership in the group’s growing portfolio and will now operate under the Bristol Street Motors brand, selling new and used Vauxhall cars, as well as providing servicing and parts.

The acquisition is part of a growth plan into the West Yorkshire area and will be overseen by experienced general manager Andy Marlow, who has led the group’s Vauxhall dealership in Macclesfield.

Robert Forrester, chief executive of Vertu Motors, said: “The former Walter C Brigg dealership in Keighley has a great reputation for customer service and its colleagues based at the dealership have in-depth industry knowledge.”

“We have built a recognised brand in Bristol Street Motors, delivering the best service to customers and operating a successful business built on honesty and trust. By acquiring the dealership in Keighley we are extending our existing presence in Yorkshire where we currently operate dealerships in Harrogate, Bradford, Barnsley and Doncaster.”

“This acquisition represents a great opportunity for the group to develop its relationship with Vauxhall and to represent the Vauxhall brand in this area.”