Mercedes-Benz dealers merge to create £160m truck and van business
Two into one does go: Joint Managing Directors Brian Kempson, left, and Roy Reed are now plotting an exciting future for Britain’s newest Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicle Dealer, Roanza.
Mercedes-Benz Dealers merge to create £160m truck and van business
Two of Britain’s best-known commercial vehicle dealers have joined forces in a deal that will allow them to provide Mercedes-Benz truck and van customers with even higher levels of service.
Roanza was formed following the merger of Enza and Road Range, both long-serving representatives of the three-pointed star in the North-West. The agreement sets the seal on a process that began more than a year ago.
Enza has held the Mercedes-Benz franchise for Manchester, Cheshire and North Staffordshire since the manufacturer opened for business in the UK in the mid-1970s. Road Range was formed in 1980 to support operators on Merseyside, and was subsequently awarded additional responsibilities for Deeside and North Wales.
With a combined workforce of 400 employees, and a turnover of nearly £160 million, the new business will have the financial muscle to make the significant investments in new facilities and services that will allow it to meet Mercedes-Benz UK’s ambitious growth targets.
Having previously led management buy outs of their respective dealerships, former Dealers Principal Brian Kempson (Road Range) and Roy Reed (Enza) now take the Roanza helm as Joint Managing Directors.
Meanwhile, the new company’s eight dealerships and one used truck centre will continue to trade under their previous names, pending completion of the integration process.
The merger was concluded with the help of £5.8 million in funding from Santander Corporate & Commercial.
Brian Kempson confirms: “This exciting development underlines our confidence in, and commitment to, the long-term development of the Mercedes-Benz Truck and Van brands here in the North-West. It will allow us to share best practice to the benefit of customers and employees alike.”
Roy Reed adds: “This merger gives us a far greater capacity for investment, a fact that will allow us to open new facilities and improve existing ones. We now look forward to developing our people and services, to ensure that we’re best-placed to provide Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle operators with the industry’s finest levels of service.”
The merger has also been welcomed by Steve Bridge and Michael Kamper, Managing Directors, respectively, of the Mercedes-Benz Van and Truck businesses in the UK.
“We are incredibly proud of our Dealer network, from its sheer size and scale through to the service levels offered,” declares Steve Bridge. “Roanza is fantastically well placed to serve the customers of the North-West – we look forward to toasting its success.”
Michael Kamper concludes: “I am delighted to see these two long-term partners of ours join forces. Their dedication, enthusiasm and continued commitment to the brand, their customers and staff, underlines the high level of passion they have demonstrated to ensure Mercedes-Benz operators receive unrivalled levels of service and support. We wish them all the best in the future.”
Roanza is responsible for sales and after sales support of the award-winning Mercedes-Benz Truck and Van ranges, as well as FUSO Canter light trucks. Services provided by the company team include round-the-clock repair and maintenance support, emergency roadside assistance, MoT tests for vehicles of all sizes, and timely parts deliveries.
