Sell-side Advisory to Crystal Motor Group

Lead advisor to the shareholders on the disposal of Crystal Motor Group to Marshall Motor Group, a Top 10 dealer group in the UK.

About the deal

Lincolnshire based CMG comprises five dealerships operating under the BMW and Mini marques as Astle and the Nissan marque as Crystal. Astle is located in Scunthorpe and Grimsby while Crystal operates from Grantham, Boston and Lincoln. CMG was owned by its management team and institutional investor Camden Ventures.

The Group generated turnover in excess of £72 million in the year to December 2013 and is on track to deliver further growth in 2014 on the back of continuing improvement in the UK new car market with a 29th successive month of growth recorded in July (SMMT).

The buyer, Marshall Motor Group, is a Top 10 dealer group and the second largest privately owned dealer group in the UK. Since the beginning of 2009, the Group has added 36 branches to its portfolio and now operates more than 70 franchised dealerships across the UK generating turnover of £1.2bn per annum.

Commenting on the transaction, Simon Ward said: “CMG is an extremely well-run business with a strong track record and an excellent market position. The UK new car market continues to show solid growth on the back of economic recovery and strengthening consumer confidence. We are delighted to have been able to assist the shareholders in realising value”

How we made a difference

• Conducted a broad sale process covering UK and international buyers.
• Worked closely with the management team to articulate the opportunity in depth.
• Obtained a range of offers for the business and negotiated and delivered the transaction.
• Project managed the process throughout securing a successful completion.