Brayleys group acquires Coupers in deal brokered by MotorVise

Brayleys has acquired family-owned business Coupers in St Albans for an undisclosed sum in a deal brokered by MotorVise.

Situated in the city centre, Coupers’ has been Hertfordshire’s authorised dealer for Hyundai for more than 30 years and a Seat service centre for two decades.

The acquisition adds Hyundai to Hertfordshire-based Brayleys’ portfolio of brands, which include Kia, Honda, Mazda, Renault and Dacia. The site will be known as Brayley Hyundai.

Fraser Brown, managing director of MotorVise, added: “We were delighted to act in this matter on behalf of Coupers, but the key to a smooth and successful deal is ensuring that we collaborate with all the parties involved.”

MotorVise, which continues to report increased levels of M&A advisory activity, is currently working with a number of dealership groups and independents to prepare their businesses for sale.

Commenting on the deal, Brayleys Chief Executive Officer, Paul Brayley, said: “I’m delighted at our acquisition of Coupers, which has a long and proud heritage in St Albans, It has extra meaning for me as it was the starting location for Brayleys 20 years ago when I took over the Honda dealership on Hatfield Road.

“The addition of Hyundai to our portfolio will further broaden our customer reach in Hertfordshire and strengthens our position as one of the largest automotive retail groups in the South East.”

Coupers was founded in 1933 by Mike Couper, one of the most respected personalities of the racing scene, who competed at Brooklands and the Monte Carlo rally up until the 1950s. Over the years it has sold many prestigious brands, including Armstrong Siddeley Rolls Royce, Bentley and Jaguar.

Having traded as Coupers in St Albans for more than 90 years, the Catherine Street dealership was purchased in 1978 by the late Don Kendall, who was succeeded by his son Paul, who had continued to run the business for the past quarter of a century.

Paul Kendall, Managing Director of Coupers, said that the company’s 24 staff would transfer over to Brayleys under the terms of the purchase.

“It is very much business as usual,” he added. “I know our team, together with our valued customers, are in good hands with Brayleys, who will continue our tradition of delivering exceptional customer service. The whole process involving the sale of the dealership was smooth and has been handled in a professional manner.”