THE family-owned motor retailer Swansway Group has taken over Carlisle Audi as part of its acquisition of Thompson Motor Company.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Alongside Carlisle Audi, Thompson operates Audi centres in Blackburn and Preston, and Volkswagen trade and parts operations at the same locations.

Thompson founder and m anaging d irector, Stuart Thompson, said: “I started the business in 1999.

"I t’s been very much my baby so, when I felt the time was coming for me to retire, I knew that the Swansway ethos of caring, honest and proud would fit perfectly with the way Thompson Motor Group has always done business.

“ Although I’ll miss all my staff, I know that together Thompson and Swansway have a very bright future and I wish them every success”.

Swansway Group is based at Crewe in Cheshire.

C hairman Michael Smyth said : “We have long admired Thompson Group.

“ T here’s a great synergy between our two businesses – both n orthern based, both family owned and run, and both believing that engaged and motivated staff produce happy and satisfied customers.

“ Swansway already operates Audi centres in Crewe, Stafford and Stoke, along with trade and parts operations in s outh Manchester and Trafford.

“ T his acquisition brings that to six Audi centres and four trade and parts operations, really significant growth for the group.

The acquisition means that Swansway, founded in 2003, will have more than 1,100 employees and a turnover in excess of £700 m.

The company has a strong community ethic.

Each year it donates around £75,000 to local charities and groups involved in supporting children, young people and families.

Carlisle Audi has been trading since 2004, opening a purpose-built showroom in Kingstown Broadway the following year on the former Borderman Vans’ site.

Then it 2014 Thompson invested a further £4.5m to expand the showroom, creating 10 jobs, having seen sales grow strongly in the first 10 years.

The investment allowed Thompson to buy the freehold and extend the showroom by 18.5 metres, and create more room for used cars.

Other improvements included a hand-over room, interactive screens, additional work bays, and a bigger staff canteen.