Donnelly Group takes over respected North Down car dealership
NORTHERN Ireland’s largest independent car dealership has announced the acquisition of a smaller dealer with a 92-year-history in Co Down.
Donnelly Group described Shaws Citroen in Bangor as one of the area’s most respected car dealers as it announced the takeover today.
The acquisition of Shaws, which is based on the corner of the Green Road and the Bangor-Newtownards carriageway, will give Donnelly Group its ninth location here and the first in Bangor.
Donnelly Group has also announced that it will open a Honda franchise on the site from next month and introduce Donnelly Motorstore, selling more than 2,000 used vehicles.
All 19 employees at Shaws will join the Donnelly Group with Michael Shaw remaining in position as general sales manager, which Donnelly Group said would ensure a continuity of service for customers.
Paul Compton, who has been
with the Donnelly Group for over 10 years, becomes site director.
Donnelly Group managing director Dave Sheeran said: “There are many synergies between Shaws and the Donnelly Group that made this an attractive acquisition for the group.
“Both are family businesses with a long history of customer excellence, and like the Donnelly Group, Shaws has a strong and loyal customer base who will continue to be served by the same dedicated team.
“I’d like to welcome the Bangor team to the Donnelly Group family which now encompasses more than 750 employees across nine locations in Northern Ireland and represents 18 manufacturers.”
Mr Compton will also continue overseeing operations at Donnelly Group at Boucher Road.
He said: “Whilst we have showrooms across Northern Ireland we felt we needed a presence in Bangor, making it easier for our North Down customers to avail of our province-wide sales offering and after sales services.
“Through the award-winning range of Honda and Citroen new vehicles plus our Motorstore of used cars and vans, we look forward to bringing the Donnelly Group way of doing business to the motorists of Bangor, North Down and the Ards Peninsula.”
Mr Shaw, a member of the company’s founding family, said: “Shaws was established in 1926 and relocated to the current premises some 30 years ago. The team and I are delighted to be joining the Donnelly Group.”
In its latest financial results, group company Donnelly Bros Garages (Dungannon) reported pre-tax profits of £1.9m.