Imperial Commercials acquires Joseph Rice Truck Services

Imperial Commercials, one of the country’s leading commercial vehicle dealer groups, has acquired Joseph Rice Truck Services in Gloucester. Allstaff have joined Imperial Commercials and the business has been renamed Imperial Commercials Gloucester.

Joseph Rice Truck Services has operated at the Hempsted Lane site for 12 years as the Foden service and parts dealer for Gloucestershire. An associated company Joseph Rice Logistics, is not included in the deal.

Imperial Commercials Gloucester will be expanded to include the addition of a further truck franchise at the site and will offer service and repairs for all trucks and trailers; MOT preparation; brake testing; a VOSA-approved digital and analogue tachograph centre; tail lift service and repair; service and inspection contracts; and repair and maintenance contracts. The service centre will also provide a 24/7 breakdown service as well as parts sales and deliveries for all makes of trucks, trailers and vans.

David Lewis, Imperial Commercials’ regional director said: “We’ve been speaking to operators in Gloucestershire over several months and having already built up a twice daily parts delivery service throughout the area, this is the next logical step. The acquisition is a good opportunity for us and a solution for operators.

“We will add a new truck franchise as soon as possible which, with our other excellent facilities in Bristol, Frome and Swindon, will mean that Imperial Commercials is the first choice service and parts supplier in the region.”

Since joining the South African Imperial Holdings Group in 2006, the UK company has clearly signalled its intentions of expanding in support of local truck operators.

Imperial Commercials’ managing director, Ian Oakes added: “In just over a year, Imperial Commercials has purchased a dealership on Deeside near Chester, added the fast growing Hino franchise in several locations, and has made a big £1.7 million investment in the Frome area. The Gloucester business fits well with our aim of operating sites where truck operators most need the support.”

Imperial Commercials Gloucester takes the company’s network to 25 sales and service sites. The company sells around 2,300 new trucks and 1,500 new vans a year and has franchise partnerships with DAF Trucks, Hino, Isuzu Trucks, MAN ERF, Renault Trucks and LDV and Fiat Professional vans.

Offering a wide range of solutions to meet truck and van users’ operational needs, Imperial Commercials’ annual turnover is around £200 million, employing over 1,000 people including 60 craft apprentices.

For further information, visit imperialcommercials.co.uk.