Prime Highlights:
- Lester Aldridge played a key role in the sale of Breeze Motor Group and Ocean Automotive, showcasing its expertise in cross-border automotive deals.
- Van Mossel strengthens its UK presence through the acquisitions, marking its first major expansion into the UK mainland.
Key Facts:
- Breeze Motor Group has a turnover of £155.4m and represents Volkswagen, Suzuki, and Ducati.
- Ocean Automotive has a turnover of £179m and operates Audi and Volvo franchises, along with two accident repair centres in Poole and Yeovil.
Background:
UK law firm Lester Aldridge advised on the sale of Breeze Motor Group and Ocean Automotive to European car retailer Van Mossel.
Van Mossel, which operates more than 570 sites across Europe, has expanded its UK presence with the deal. The deal marks the company’s first major expansion into the UK mainland market and reflects growing international interest in Britain’s automotive retail sector.
Breeze Motor Group, which reported a turnover of £155.4 million, represents major brands including Volkswagen, Suzuki and Ducati. Ocean Automotive, with a turnover of £179 million, operates Audi and Volvo franchises alongside two accident repair centres located in Poole and Yeovil. Together, the transactions represent a substantial investment in the UK automotive market.
Lester Aldridge’s dedicated deal team was led by partners Grant Esterhuizen and Jamie Earley, with support from Gerard Chalkly-Maber and Danielle Slater. Property-related aspects of the transaction were handled by partner Adam Corcoran, ensuring a seamless approach across all legal areas involved.
Grant Esterhuizen, partner at Lester Aldridge, said the transactions highlighted the firm’s experience in managing strategic automotive-sector deals across borders. He added that the firm was pleased to support both sellers through what can often be a complex and demanding process.
Clients were pleased with the outcome of the deal. John Corderoy, sole owner of Breeze Motor Group, praised the firm for being responsive and practical, and said the advisers stayed ahead throughout the process. David Kelly, chairman and sole shareholder of Ocean Automotive, said Lester Aldridge’s guidance helped make the transaction feel smooth and well-managed despite its complexity.
With offices in Bournemouth, Southampton and London, Lester Aldridge is continuing to build its reputation as a trusted adviser on major corporate deals, especially in the automotive sector. The completion of these transactions reinforces the firm’s experience in handling strategic mergers, acquisitions and cross-border legal work.
