Independent Mercedes Specialist Car Repair And Service Centre For Sale

Business description

This business has been established since 2007, and is a successful specialist Mercedes Motor vehicle Repair Company, with an un-rivalled reputation in East Anglia for quality of service and value.

The business has built a database of over 2000 satisfied clients, and is still growing rapidly. Utilising the state of the art Mercedes “Star Diagnosis” machine, with 4 vehicle lifts, 2000 sq ft of workshop space, and qualified staff, the company can support a large number of customers on a daily basis.

The company sub-lets some of their space to an M.O.T. specialist next door. This not only supports the lease commitments, but offers customers an all round service. Handling all types of repair and service, electrical diagnosis, and consumable replacement. The business will easily be accredited by Mercedes should the new owner wish to follow this path. To all intense and purposes, the garage offers a tailored, high quality service, equal if not better than a franchised dealer at greatly reduced costs. Thus, the resulting customer loyalty and growth so far.

Customer Service:

The satisfied clientele appreciate the prompt, friendly service, reliability, convenient hours and reasonable, yet competitive prices. Offering genuine Mercedes parts, diagnostic tools, and service standards at reduced prices. The attention to detail makes sure each customer is rewarded with a high level of satisfaction and is keen to return.

At the end of each job customers receive a report on what work has been carried out and on any work that has been identified in the course of that job, which may be required in the future. A qualified member of staff is always on hand to answer quickly and courteously any questions or problems that may arise with a professional, knowledgeable and friendly manner. The result is self evident in the business’s sustained level of repeat business.

They have their own in house quality standards and checks, and are known for their reliability and timely completion of work, which could include collection and delivery direct to customers.

Key Strengths:

Building on a strong and recognisable name, the business can offer all the services of a franchised dealer, at prices up-to 50% less. The business is centrally located in Norfolk, next to a busy city, with nil specialised competition within a 50 radius.

The business flourishes on word of mouth recommendations and referrals with existing clients staying loyal. It has a very large client base ripe for further development. The company is very profitable, with low overheads.

Key Opportunities:

The business is known by Mercedes (UK), and is within easy reach of full accreditation should that route be of interest. Further advertising could see an increase in contracts and revenues and this would support the company to build on their reputation and profits.

Turnover and revenues could also be significantly increased by fully developing a customer database, with continuous contact and direct marketing. Also, there is an opportunity to develop corporate business relations for services of fleet vehicles. With the addition of a website, the market could stretch even wider geographically.

A hands-on owner could significantly increase profitability from the current turnover, and develop the business via marketing and expanding services.

Financial Information:

The business is being offered for sale on a going concern basis, all financial discussions will take place directly between the vendor and all interested parties under the auspices of Turner Butler.

Current turnover is circa £250,000 per annum with gross profit of circa £85,000, the net asset value is circa £10,000 which is included in the sale.

Property information

Property:

Leasehold

Lease terms:

Leasehold, renewable with 13 years remianing of 15 years
Square footage circa 2000
Rent £14,500 per annum
Rates £4,300 per annum

Location:

The property has a fully-equipped workshop which has 2 wholly owned vehicle-lifts, and 2 on lease. There is a toilet for staff and customers, an upstairs storage area, front reception and office. Next door, there is an M.O.T. bay, sub-let. With 3 phase electrics, compressor, a “Star” Mercedes Diagnostics machine, and full tooling for all on-site mechanics, the business can handle all.

Leasehold, renewable with 13 years remianing of 15 years
Square footage circa 2000
Rent £14,500 per annum
Rates £4,300 per annum

Other information

Competition / Market:

Initially the company spent over £24K on local radio advertising through-out Norfolk, which established the name, and rapidly grew the business. Recently the company has advertised in the local press, and has a unique, and successful targeted leaflet / flyer campaign which is bringing in new clients on a daily basis. The company has no website currently. A new owner could develop and exploit this to their advantage, and build on the direct customer marketing mentioned. The Company is recognised for its expertise within its Mercedes service and repair, and therefore a high percentage of its work comes via word of mouth recommendations, alongside the huge amount of repeat customers.

Support & training:

The current owner will provide all necessary training and handover to ensure a smooth transfer of the business to new owners.

Reasons for selling:

The owners have reached the age where they wish to retire abroad and handover the running of this successful company to somebody with energy, enthusiasm and focus to take it to its true potential.

Trading hours:

Monday – Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm
Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm