KERR’S Tyre’s & Auto has made its second major acquisition in less than a year by completing the purchase of one of Portadown’s most respected independent garages Auto-Bann.
It becomes the tyre management specialists' 13th outlet in the north and its first in Portadown, and comes as it plans to open a 12 bay workshop at the same location.
All Auto Bann employees will join the Kerr’s team, which now encompasses more than 150 employees (it also has six bases in the Republic).
Andrew Litter will remain in position as centre manager, ensuring a continuity of service at Portadown.
He said: “This acquisition is fantastic news for motorists in the local area, and the introduction of a new workshop will ensure we will now be the premier site in Portadown for tyres, servicing and repairs on all vehicles."
Brian Patterson, group retail director at Kerr's, said: “There are many synergies between Auto Bann and ourselves made this an attractive acquisition.
“Both are family businesses with a long history of customer excellence, and like the Kerr’s Group, Auto Bann has a strong and loyal customer base who will continue to be served by the same dedicated team.
“Whilst we have service centres across Northern Ireland, we felt we needed a presence in Portadown, making it easier for our customers to avail of our province-wide services."
Last November Kerr's paid an undisclosed sum to acquire Roundabout Tyre & Battery Service, which has operated from Belfast's outer ring area for more than 30 years.
