Steer Automotive Group has expanded its operational footprint into South Wales and the West Midlands with the acquisition of six iRG (Innovative Repair Group) bodyshops.
The acquired sites are located in Whitland, Swansea and Pontypridd in Wales, and Bristol, Birmingham and Wolverhampton in England. Joe Moore, a current iRG shareholder, will support the business during the integration period.
Established by Steve Peart in 1999 and subject to an MBO in January 2020, iRG has long been regarded as a leading independent network of quality accident repair centres. It will retain six of its previous 12 sites – Bridgend, Cardiff, Hereford, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, and the Pontypridd commercial vehicle bodyshop.
The iRG board of directors said in a statement: “Choosing Steer Automotive Group as the new owners for these six sites wasn’t just a strategic decision but a personal one. We’ve built a legacy based on commitment, quality, and community. Richard [Steer] and his team not only recognised this legacy but also shared our values, ensuring that our customers, staff, and the business’s ethos are in capable and caring hands. Their approach throughout has been nothing short of professional and empathetic, making this transition as smooth as possible. I am confident that under Steer’s leadership, these sites are set for a bright future, and I eagerly anticipate their continued success and growth.”
The acquisition broadens Steer’s network, opening up new geographical catchment areas and addressing the demand from the group’s existing clients for coverage in the Swansea and Cardiff regions, where Steer previously had no network capacity. The addition of smaller sites in Wolverhampton and Birmingham introduces a hub model to Steer’s operations, enabling enhanced efficiency and optimised volume in the central region.
Chief executive Richard Steer said: “This expansion is a testament to our commitment to meeting the needs of our clients and providing unparalleled access to high-quality vehicle repair services across the UK. We are thrilled to welcome the talented teams from these iRG sites into the Steer family and look forward to the opportunities this acquisition presents for enhancing our service offerings and operational efficiencies.”
