Ray Chapman Motors Acquires Clive Brook Volvo Bradford and Huddersfield

It is almost 15 years to the day that Clive Brook opened his first Volvo site on Canal Road, Bradford, and he has been providing motor services to the people of Yorkshire ever since, providing high-quality expertise and knowledge – establishing itself as one of the region’s leading car dealerships.

Following the decision of Managing Director, Clive Brook, to retire, the opportunity was brought to our attention. The culture of the Clive Brook operation made an acquisition a perfect fit for our family owned, family run business.

We officially acquired the sites on 31^st January 2023, expanding our portfolio to four – making us one of the largest Volvo retailer groups in the country.

Commenting on his decision to retire, Clive Brook said: “After nearly 40 years of working and 15 years of building and developing the Clive Brook brand, the time has now come for me to retire and to pass on our much-loved business, team members and loyal customers to the capable and enthusiastic hands of the Chapman family.

“Much has changed in the motor trade over the years, and I’m very excited for Clive Brook Limited to benefit from the scale and resources of being part of a successful and dynamic – but most importantly – family retailer group. I wish Duncan, the Chapman family and the wider Ray Chapman team every success in the future.”

Clive has created a motoring retailer legacy in the North over the past few decades, and we look forward to continuing the exceptional experience, trust and relationships that he has built with Volvo drivers in Bradford and Huddersfield.

Commenting on the acquisition, Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “I’d like to personally thank Clive Brook for his dedication to the Volvo brand and for the exceptional job he and the teams at the Clive Brook Bradford and Huddersfield sites have done over the years.

“We also couldn’t be happier that Ray Chapman Motors is taking over both retailers, doubling its representation in the area from two to four sites. Ray Chapman Motors is a fantastic consumer-focussed business and a multiple winner of Volvo Car UK’s Retailer of the Year award, so we know that new and existing Volvo customers alike will continue to be well served into the future.”

The deal was managed by David Kendrick and the wider automotive team at UHY Hacker Young, who represented Clive Brook Limited. Commenting on the acquisition, David said: “The two sites fit perfectly with Chapman’s and now allows it to become a real regional player with the brand.”

I would like to assure our RCM customers old and new that nothing will change at Malton and York.The CB businesses have a strong management team and will continue to operate as normal for the foreseeable future.

Duncan R Chapman

Retailer Principal