Waylands has strengthened its Hampshire operations with the acquisition of independent Volkswagen specialist White Rose Petersfield.
The Station Road business sits next to Waylands’ recently acquired Stringers of Petersfield operation, giving the dealer group a larger combined presence in the town and additional aftersales capacity.
White Rose has operated for more than 40 years and specialises in servicing and repairing Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Škoda vehicles.
Its entire workforce has transferred to Waylands as part of the deal, while the White Rose name will be retained in the short term to provide continuity for customers.
Petersfield footprint grows
The acquisition follows Waylands’ purchase earlier this year of Cambridge Garage’s Volvo operation in Havant and the Stringers used car business in Petersfield from the Stringer family.
Waylands said bringing the businesses together would create opportunities to increase customer choice, aftersales capability and operational scale across Hampshire.
John O’Hanlon, chief executive of Waylands, said: “White Rose has earned an outstanding reputation through its commitment to customer service, technical expertise and strong relationships within the local community. These qualities closely reflect our own values, making it a natural fit for Waylands.
“The acquisition further strengthens our presence in Petersfield, following our recent acquisition of Cambridge Garage Havant and Stringers of Petersfield. Bringing these businesses together creates exciting opportunities for growth, while ensuring customers continue to receive the personal, trusted service they have come to expect.
“Our approach to acquisitions is always focused on building on strong foundations. We are committed to maintaining the culture and local identity that have made White Rose so successful, whilst providing the support, investment and scale of the wider Waylands Group.”
Waylands continues expansion
The deal is the latest stage of Waylands’ wider expansion across southern England through both acquisitions and organic growth. The dealer group now represents Volvo, Polestar, Kia, Honda, Omoda, Jaecoo, MG and Aion and employs more than 500 people across 18 representation points.
Waylands said its acquisition strategy remained focused on retaining established local businesses and customer relationships while adding the investment and resources of the wider group.
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