A LEADING motor group has acquired a new and used car dealership in Blackburn.

Chapelhouse is the new owner of BCC Suzuki in Shadsworth Road, it has been announced.

The company has taken on the Blackburn site alongside BCC in Bolton and their Citroen franchise in Wigan. All 52 BCC staff will transfer as part of the deal.

Chris Layton, the firm's group operations director, said: "We are delighted to acquire these businesses from Bolton Car Company as they share many similarities with our own, having been part of a family-owned business built over many years operating similar franchises in neighbouring towns."

Chapelhouse has six arms across nine sites in the region, representing the interests of Suzuki, Kia, Citroen and Fiat.

Mr Layton added: "We will cover the north west area with our nine sites offering Suzuki, Kia, Citroen and Fiat vehicles, service and parts to an extended customer base, ensuring we continue to provide our excellent customer experience for which we are known."

David Kendrick, head of automotive and partner at UHY Hacker Young in Manchester, has managed the deal.

He added: "This acquisition represents a great opportunity for Chapelhouse Motor Group to expand into a neighbouring territory and for a long-established business like Bolton Car Company to reduce their representation points and enable them to focus on their remaining core sites."