Arnold Clark buys John R Weir showrooms

Arnold Clark, one of Scotland’s largest privately-owned companies, today snapped up smaller rival John R Weir in what is thought to have been a multi-million pound deal.

All 321 staff at Weir’s 11 showrooms will transfer across to Glasgow-based Arnold Clark, which already has 145 dealerships and more than 8,000 staff.

Acquiring the business marks Arnold Clark’s first move into the Mercedes-Benz market, taking on outlets in Aberdeen, Dundee, Grangemouth, Inverness and Perth.

John Weir, managing director and principal shareholder at the eponymous group, said: “The board reviewed a range of options for the group and determined that the sale of the company was best for the business, its customers and its staff.

“I am personally delighted that we have been able to attract a buyer of the calibre and size of Arnold Clark, who I am confident will grow the business further as it enters this new chapter in its development.”

Eddie Hawthorne, Arnold Clark’s managing director, added: “We are proud to be adding Mercedes-Benz to the portfolio of manufacturers we represent and we are confident that together we will make a great success of this acquisition.”