Control of one of Britain's best-known Mercedes-Benz truck and van dealers has changed hands - but new owner Rygor Commercials is itself a leading member of the German manufacturer's franchised network.
Rygor last Friday (29th June) concluded the purchase for an undisclosed sum of Mudie-Bond, which had represented the three-pointed star in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Oxfordshire.
The deal had the enthusiastic backing of Mercedes-Benz UK, whose Truck Sales & Marketing Director Sam Whittaker confirmed: "Rygor Commercials has a proven track record for delivering the premium quality of service commensurate with the Mercedes-Benz brand.
"So former customers, and indeed employees, of Mudie-Bond can rest assured that this seamless transfer of ownership will leave them in the very safest of hands; in fact, I have no doubt that the best is yet to come from the new-look Rygor Commercials."
As well as acquiring Mudie-Bond's headquarters in Tewkesbury, and other dealerships in Kidderminster, Oxford and Brackley, Rygor has inherited Mudie-Bond's 133-strong workforce.
Rygor Commercials, meanwhile, operates from a head office in Westbury and facilities in Chilcompton, Heathrow, Reading, Newbury, Salisbury and Swindon.
Managing Director Tim Stacey declared: "Mudie-Bond was a well established business and had an excellent reputation within the industry. What's more, it employed a first-class team of people who should see this change of ownership as presenting a great opportunity to maximise their individual potentials.
"This deal will allow us to combine the best of what Mudie-Bond has been doing, with our own best practice processes, and to roll them out across all of our locations. The result will be a stronger company, which is better able to deliver the very highest levels of customer service."
Rygor Commercials sells and supports the award-winning Mercedes-Benz truck and van ranges, as well as Fuso Canter light trucks. These are exciting times for Mercedes-Benz dealers: as well as having recently introduced new Canter and premium specification long-haul Mercedes-Benz Actros models - the latter is the reigning International Truck of the Year - Rygor is also looking forward to the launch early next year of the first city van to wear a three-pointed star, the Citan.
The company is also renowned for the quality of its parts, maintenance and repair back-up, as well as its Service 24h roadside rescue and recovery service, and last year was awarded the manufacturer's prestigious After Sales Dealer of the Year trophy.
Tim Stacey continued: "Geographically, the marriage of these two businesses makes great commercial sense, as Mudie-Bond's area of responsibility was immediately adjacent to our own. It means that we're now in a position to serve customers along the M5 and extended sections of the M40 corridors, as well as the M4."
Mudie-Bond was founded in 1987 by Richard Bond and Mike Mudie, both of whom retained their major shareholdings in the business until the end. Still firm friends, they are now retiring.
"We've weathered two or three recessions but the last 25 years have been hugely enjoyable and I wouldn't have missed them for the world," said Richard. "It's been a real privilege to represent the world's foremost commercial vehicle brand.
"Mike and I are in no doubt that under the ownership of Rygor Commercials the business we built, and the fantastic team of people with whom we worked, can look forward to a very bright future indeed."
Legal advice on the acquisition was provided to Rygor Commercials by Wansbroughs Solictors, of Devizes. Bristol-based chartered accountants and business advisors Baker Tilly undertook due diligence, while Rygor secured funding from the corporate team at current bankers Barclays South West, also in Bristol.
Three of a kindā€¦ like other members of the manufacturer's UK dealer network, Rygor Commercials is responsible for sales and support of Mercedes-Benz trucks and vans, and Fuso Canter light trucks.