Nationwide confirms DWS acquisition
Nationwide Accident Repair Services has increased its network of bodyshops to 124 with the acquisition of DWS Automotive Repair Solutions.
After months of speculation within the industry the deal was made official yesterday, with Nationwide adding that further announcements could be expected later in the year.
The acquisition of DWS serves Nationwide’s overall strategy of providing network coverage across the UK by strengthening its presence in Greater London, where Nationwide was under-represented; DWS serves motor insurers, fleet operators, dealer groups and motor manufacturers from 17 repair centres based largely around the M25.
Michael Wilmshurst, CEO of Nationwide, said, ‘I am delighted to be announcing the acquisition of DWS. Nationwide’s model is evolving and our acquisition of DWS is part of our strategy to provide an enhanced service offering to our customers.
‘We’re setting new goals for ourselves as we adapt to a changing marketplace and I’m delighted that we’re now completing almost two thirds of our repairs in seven days or less and almost a third in three days or less.
‘We are working hard to deliver an optimal service combining quality, speed and value to our customers. The acquisition of DWS is another step forward as we set to achieve the goal of being the repair solution of choice, serving our strategic customers in an increasingly integrated and sophisticated way, to mutual benefit.’
Backed by Carlyle Strategic Partners III, Nationwide’s expansion plan has already reaped rewards. The company received its best ever customer satisfaction feedback in the first quarter of this year, during which time it was able to repair 57% of cars within seven days and 32% within three days.
A company statement concluded, ‘Following the acquisition of DWS, Nationwide’s objective remains to deliver speed, quality, service and value to its customers.’
