A MOTOR retailer with outlets across the UK has snapped up three established Herefordshire dealerships.

Vertu Motors has acquired South Hereford Garages, which includes the Volkswagen and Audi dealership on Roman Road and the Whitchurch base near Ross-on-Wye, for an initial £12.8m

Vertu bosses say it was an easy decision to make as it is so well respected in the county.

"This is a highly successful company," said Robert Forrester, the CEO of Vertu.

"It's a very strong business and dealership and the very strong management team will stay on."

He said the Audi dealership would see £1.6million of investment, adding customers will still receive the same quality of service.

“The acquisition will be earnings enhancing and South Hereford is a strong business with a great local heritage, a reputation for excellent customer service and a strong aftersales track record," he added.

Mr Forrester said the recent international emissions scandal by the Volkswagen group was disappointing but thought customers will remain loyal.

"It's a disappointing situation.

"But people aspire to drive their [Volkswagen] cars and the vast majority of customers are still very positive."

The Vertu group has also acquired two Volkswagen Group parts distribution operations in Hereford and Gloucester.

Its board expects to build on South Hereford's pre-tax profits of £1.5million in its first full year of ownership.

“The acquisition will be earnings enhancing from next financial year, and increases the group to 121 sales and aftersales outlets and will enable us to generate sustainable profitable growth to further enhance value for our shareholders," said Mr Forrester.

Andre Konsbruck, director of Audi UK, said: "Audi is delighted to welcome Vertu as a part of our Audi network in the UK and welcome their investment.

“Vertu is a business which, like ours, has enjoyed fantastic growth.

"We are confident that the approach taken by Robert and his Board of working in long term collaboration with manufacturer partners will ensure that the customers of South Hereford Audi will continue to enjoy an excellent and committed level of dedicated service.”