LLOYD Motor Group has confirmed the acquisition of West Cumbrian N&M Walkingshaw Limited. 

The acquisition was completed on Tuesday, April 30, with 24 jobs at the Lillyhall, Workington premises becoming part of the Lloyd Motor Group which also added the Volkswagen brand to its portfolio with the deal. 

Plans are also being made for further investment in West Cumbria by the group. 

Lloyd Volkswagen and Lloyd Kia will continue to operate from the existing Walkingshaw premises in Lillyhall, Workington with this extending the Group’s footprint across Cumbria, with Lloyd Kia sites already operating from Carlisle and a new Lloyd Kia South Lakes site under construction in Levens, South Cumbria.

Following the competition of the acquisition, Sam Lloyd, managing director of Lloyd Motor Group express his delight at adding the family business to the group.

He said: "The two brands represent an exciting opportunity for us. Walkingshaw has been a successful, family-run business for over 50 years, so they feel like a great fit for Lloyd Motor Group in terms of ethos and geography.

"We’re very much looking forward to getting started, and we wish Andrew all the best in the future"

Andy Walkingshaw, managing director of Walkingshaw also said: "The business has been part of our family for almost 56 years, and serving our customers in West Cumbria has been a privilege.

"However, with increasing commercial complexity and the market continuing to consolidate, we felt it was the right time to allow a larger group to take the business to the next level.

"I have no doubt Sam and Bryan Lloyd will look after our customers and our fantastic team."