Farmer Autocare, founded by Sir Tom Farmer after he sold the KwikFit chain, has been acquired by Belfast-based Kerr’s Tyres Group.
The deal brings together two family-run organisations with 48 sites across Scotland and Ireland.
Farmer Autocare, which launched in 2003, now operates from 21 locations, employing almost 200 staff, many of whom have been with the company since its beginning.
It will continue to operate under its existing management team, led by managing director, Colin McNeill.
Kerr’s Tyres Group was founded in 2002 by Norman Kerr in Antrim and has 27 retail sites, a large commercial tyre business and a distribution group.
Over the next five years it plans to expand to 250 sites throughout the UK, backed by its investor Chiltern Capital.
A spokesperson for the Farmer family said: “When Kerr’s Tyres Group approached us we quickly recognised a shared belief in how our businesses should operate and a natural fit between the two organisations.
“We also saw an opportunity to accelerate the expansion plans that were already in place for Farmer Autocare.
“There are tremendous prospects ahead for Farmer Autocare under the guidance of an experienced owner such as Norman Kerr with ambitious plans.”
Mr Kerr said: “Our growth and investment plans will create new opportunities for colleagues, while ensuring the Farmer Autocare standards and ways of working, are embedded as we expand.
“Having worked for Sir Tom Farmer much earlier in my career, it is an absolute privilege to build on what he created and help the team thrive for decades to come.
Mr McNeill said: “This is an incredibly exciting day for us all in Farmer Autocare. The Kerr’s Tyres Group investment creates tremendous opportunities for our people.
“Their ambitious growth plans for our already successful business, will mean we expand our centres even faster.”
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