Gemini acquires AutoRestore sites

Gemini Accident Repair Centres UK Ltd has has acquired all eight of the fixed bodyshop sites from AutoRestore Ltd.

Gemini, one of the UK’s leading accident repair specialists, already with nine sites and capacity to repair 13,000 vehicles per year, now jumps to 17 sites and capacity to repair 30,000 vehicles per year following this deal.

Tim Hopkins, CEO of Gemini Accident Repair Centres, said, ‘I am delighted to announce the Autorestore (fixed site) acquisition as part of our UK expansion. At £20 million this is one of the biggest acquisitions in Gemini’s accident repair centres history.

‘Gemini’s approach to designing and delivering new solutions and building transparent relationships with its key customers has been central to the growing reputation as an innovator and strong competitor, In these very exciting and changeable times our growth strategy is just beginning. We now have a business set out over four countries, England, Wales, Australia and New Zealand, and we are looking forward to expanding the Gemini brand further in the UK. It is my firm belief that with the consolidation of Bodyshops in the UK Gemini will be well placed to be a National alternative for the Insurance market.’

The eight fixed sites purchased from AutoRestore Ltd are located in Birmingham, Cannock, Chesterfield, Leicester, Macclesfield, Nottingham, Rotherham & Warwick, and they complement Gemini’s already strong presence in the Midlands and South west and will expand Gemini’s footprint further north.

Dave Sargeant, managing director of Gemini Accident Repair Centres, said, ‘This is a really exciting time for us and we can’t wait to join the two groups together to form one experienced super team, that now complements our existing offer to the market, AutoRestore had some great processes and ideas that we will look to utilise and we will be implementing our intelligent repair process along with our one-day repair strategy over the next few months. During this process we will be re-modelling the sites to fit with our strategy, approach and corporate branding. Within the Purchase of Autorestore it brings the opportunities to work with new customer and manufacturer approvals.

‘This expansion will necessitate new roles in the business and we will be looking both internally and externally in the Industry for the very best candidates to continue pushing the Gemini Brand to the forefront. We have already strengthened our central claims and finance functions, and will be looking at the operational opportunities that will need to be fulfilled.’

Gemini UK continues to be a proud member of National ARG and with the new acquisition of AutoRestore, will strengthen both Gemini and NARGS coverage of the UK.