Steer Automotive accelerates growth with Accident Repair Centre deal

A vehicle repair firm has been sold to a national operator.

The Accident Repair Centre is now part of Steer Automotive.

The company, known for sites in Darlington, Newcastle and Sunderland, was sold for an undisclosed sum.

Under the terms of the deal, shares in the trading company have transferred to Steer Automotive, with owners Roger Collings and Robert Taylor retaining the holding company.

The sale was overseen by Sunderland-based Richard Reed Solicitors and accountancy firm TTR Barnes.

• Pictured, from left to right, are Beverley Kelly, of TTR Barnes, Roger Collings and Phil Moir, of Richard Reed Solicitors

Roger said: “The sale was complicated by the fact there were three trading companies and one group holding company.

“In addition, leases needed to be arranged for four properties, which were being retained by the group holding company.

“The due diligence process took several months, but with the support of TTR Barnes and Richard Reed it was completed with relatively few challenges.”

Phil Moir, a director at Richard Reed, who specialises in company and commercial work, added: “We were delighted to be able to keep this transaction in Sunderland.

“It illustrates the level of expertise we have in the city, and that companies don’t need to go further afield for this kind of service.”