Activate Group announces Avant Group acquisition
Accident management services provider Activate Group has announced it has completed the acquisition of Avant Group.
Supported by further investment from Elysian Capital, building on its initial backing of Activate Group in 2024. the deal includes all Avant Group’s three key brands: Avant Consult, Avant Repair Network and Bodynet.
As part of the deal, Avant Group’s leadership team will remain in place, with managing director Mark Johnstone joining the Activate Group executive team.
Chris Ryler will remain at the helm of Avant Repair Network and Neil Blackman will remain as account director of the group’s automotive division.
Growth plans
The deal will support the growth plans of both businesses, delivering significant scale across claims and repair management.
Avant’s manufacturer paint and body programmes will bolster Activate Group’s existing service offering, while the acquisition of Bodynet, Avant’s established bodyshop management system, will enhance Activate Group’s sister company, Onyx Repair Innovations, by adding the Bodynet BMS and AutoPad products to its portfolio.
Hannah Wilcox, Activate Group CEO said: “This marks a significant milestone for Activate Group. Avant Group’s specialist expertise enhances our existing proposition and supports our ambition to deliver the UK’s most advanced, end-to-end accident and repair solutions.
“Together, we’re giving insurers, fleets and partners even more reasons to choose our services.
“Mark and the Avant team have built a strong business with a great reputation. I’m looking forward to working with them, continuing to deliver the same high-quality service they are known for, and bringing investment and digital infrastructure to ensure continued innovation for customers and partners.”
Natural step
Johnstone added: “Joining Activate Group is the next natural step in our growth. We’re proud of the service and culture we’ve built, and the strong relationships we have with our clients and repair partners.
“Becoming part of Activate Group gives us the opportunity to grow faster, expand our reach and bring even more value to our clients, partners and people, and we’re excited about what we can now achieve together.”
Activate Group provides claims management services to fleets and insurers through its sopp+sopp and vehicle repairs through its UK-wide network of approved repairers which includes 13 owned sites.
