Strategic investment powers Vella Group growth

The Vella Group has announced a new strategic investment led by Ama Capital, in partnership with Keyhaven Capital Partners, to support the next stage of its growth journey.

The investment provides long-term backing for the automotive repair group, one of the UK’s largest and fastest-growing, and positions the business to accelerate its expansion strategy through to 2026.

Founded nearly 40 years ago in Southport, Merseyside, The Vella Group has grown from six sites in 2020 to 18 locations across the UK, with six new sites launched in the past 18 months. Following a period of consolidation and platform development, the business is now set to resume its acquisitive growth plans.

Known for its progressive and collaborative approach, The Vella Group has earned recognition across the industry for its commitment to sustainability, talent development and operational excellence. The business has received multiple industry awards in recent years, underlining its long-term focus and values-led culture.

The investment will enable continued investment in people, infrastructure and systems while maintaining the company’s strong relationships with clients and supply chain partners. Day-to-day operations will remain unchanged, with the current management team continuing to lead the business.

To further strengthen leadership, Alistair Hardie has joined the group as Chair, and James Hill has been appointed Chief Financial Officer.

Karl Vella MBE, Founder of The Vella Group, retains a shareholding and will support the business in a consultancy role. He said: “This feels like a special moment. We didn’t want to simply sell out, but to find partners who understand what we’ve built and share our values.”

Marc Holding, Managing Director, added: “We took our time to find the right investor. Ama’s sector knowledge and operational expertise stood out. With strong foundations and a great team in place, we’re confident in our ability to grow in a way that remains true to the Vella brand.”

Ed Ransome, Founding Partner at Ama Capital, said: “The Vella Group’s reputation for quality and culture speaks for itself. We’re proud to support the team through this exciting new chapter.”