What's the news?
Joe Duffy Motor Group has acquired Commons Road Cars in Navan, making it the second Volkswagen dealership in its portfolio, joining McAllister Volkswagen in Airside.
Established in 1991, Commons Road Cars was a family-run business that developed a large customer base in the Meath area. The acquisition came about following the decision by owner Nancy Callaghan to retire from the business.
As part of the terms of the acquisition agreement, all employees will be transferred to the Joe Duffy Group and the dealership will continue to operate without any interruption and under the same, well-known name.
Commenting on the announcement, Gavin Hydes, Joe Duffy Motor Group CEO said: "We are very pleased to be representing Volkswagen in another key geographic location. As Ireland's leading motor retail group, we continue to expand and grow our Group by acquiring suitable bolt on businesses that complement our portfolio. Last year saw the very successful launch of Audi Limerick and the purchase of the Eastgate facility in Cork."
He went on to say, "This latest addition is our 11th facility and fits perfectly into our strategy of organic growth and acquisition. We look forward to welcoming the team into the group. We are committed to investing in our people and have increased the number of employees by 161% since 2012 when we had a team of 130. This acquisition now brings the total number of Group employees to 340"
Paul Duffy, Volkswagen Commons Road Dealer Principal, said: "We are pleased that the future interests of our customers and staff will be safeguarded under the new ownership and management. Equally their culture and values mirror those that have been central to our business since its foundation. We are looking forward to joining Ireland's leading retail motor group."
Anything else?
In addition to adding a second Volkswagen dealership to its portfolio, Joe Duffy Group also now has two Audi dealerships along with other brands that include BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad, Ford, Land Rover, Mazda, Porsche, Volvo and SEAT.