Athenaeum acquires Johnsons Cars Ltd

Athenaeum International Holdings Ltd, the investor behind Brayleys Cars Ltd, has completed its acquisition of Johnsons Cars Ltd – signalling a major step forward in the group’s strategic expansion across the UK motor retail market.

The acquisition combines two established automotive retailers, forming a group with 79 franchise sales points representing 21 leading brands. The newly expanded business is supported by nearly 2,000 colleagues nationwide. The deal also includes Johnsons’ Trade Parts Specialist (TPS) Centres, fleet services, and group support functions.

Founded in 1999, Johnsons Cars Ltd built its reputation through strong manufacturer partnerships, particularly with the Volkswagen Group brands – Volkswagen, SEAT, CUPRA and Škoda. The acquisition significantly enhances the group’s reach across brands such as Mazda, Suzuki, Hyundai and Honda, further reinforcing its status as Honda’s largest European dealer group by volume.

The transaction was completed as a share purchase, transferring full ownership of Johnsons Cars Ltd, its operations, staff and naming rights to Athenaeum. While changes are expected in the long term, the focus remains on ensuring continuity and stability for employees and customers alike.

José Blanco, Chief Executive Officer of Brayleys, described the deal as a natural progression: “This is an exciting new era for the company. Johnsons Cars is a highly regarded and well-run business that perfectly complements our existing brand portfolio and geographic footprint.”

Mike Berwick, Chief Executive Officer of Johnsons Cars Ltd, added: “After 26 years of Johnsons Cars, it was incredibly important to find the right business to carry it forward. We’re confident that the new owners share our values and have the vision and means to create continued success for our staff, brand partners, and customers.”