Colin Appleyard, a major Suzuki dealership group, has been acquired in a deal supported by prominent advisers.

Initially founded by the late Colin Appleyard in 1971 and run by his son Robin Appleyard since 2010. They represent Suzuki in Bradford, Keighley, Ashton-Under-Lyne and Huddersfield.

D.M Keith Motor Group, who have expanded significantly over the last decade, most recently acquiring Ringways Ford and Kia in Leeds in 2021, has purchased the company for an undisclosed sum. Their 19 businesses across 14 sites is anticipated to generate a turnover in excess of £300m.

Robin said: “The business has been a huge part of our family all my life and I have enjoyed every minute and worked with some fantastic people.

“Both my sons have successful careers of their own, so with no succession and seeing the continued consolidation, the time was right for me to step back.”

Colin Appleyard were legally represented by the following team from Schofield Sweeney:

Corporate  – Steven Millward, Jessica Fielden  and Alex Aitken

Real estate – Rob Hayes  and Lois Smith

Employment – Annie Gray

Tax – John Feaster

Dougal Keith, managing director of DM Keith, said: “We have been growing steadily over the last few years as part of our vision of being in the top 50 Motor Groups.”

Law firm Gordons LLP advised D.M Keith Motor Group.