Azets advise on multi-million pound sale

Azets, the UK's largest regional accountancy and business advisor to SMEs, has advised on a multi-million-pound sale of specialist accident repair centres, AW Repair Group, to Chiltern Capital-backed Steer Automotive Group.

Founded in 1996, AW Repair Group Limited is one of the leading accident repair groups in the UK.

From its 12 operational sites spread across South Yorkshire and the East Midlands, the business delivers a mix of vehicle accident repair services to its established and growing base of customers in the insurance and manufacturer sector.

AW Repair Group has been known as a progressive forerunner in the industry, winning multiple awards for its quality of work, outstanding customer service and adoption of new standards.

Through significant investment in advanced technology and training, it quickly gained the ability to repair electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as having dedicated Tesla repair facilities, and was the first UK body shop to achieve carbon neutrality.

With over 30 years of experience within the industry, Steer Automotive Group is now the new owner of AW Repair Group.

Exiting Founder and CEO of AW Repair Group, Andrew Walsh, said: “I started the business at the age of 24 and to negotiate its sale was, at times, emotive, frustrating and also exciting.

“Thanks to the guidance from the Azets ' team, namely Martin Poole, Tom Eastwood and Doug Allan, who were always calm, diligent and consistent in their approach. They had a really good understanding of all the intricacies and worked in partnership with our legal advisors.

“We wish the team at Steer Automotive Group all the best and look forward to following their journey ”.

Martin Poole, Partner at Azets added: “It was a pleasure working with Andrew and Emma, long-standing clients of the firm. Through their hard work, they have grown a business from scratch into one that is at the forefront of the industry.

“Their commitment and determination through the transaction process has been second to none and they thoroughly deserve the value that they have achieved for all of their efforts. I have no doubt that the legacy and dedication shown by AW Repair Group 's Founder and CEO Andrew and Finance and Legal Director Emma will enable the business to flourish under new ownership. ”

Azets provided corporate finance, audit and tax advisory services to the shareholders of AW Repair Group Limited.

Ranked fifth in the country after completing 43 deals in the first half of 2022, it is a top 10 accountancy firm that focuses on delivering a highly personalised service, through a local office network and proprietary digital workplace technology. Career opportunities are available at Azets, visit www.azets.co.uk to find out more.