Scania has bought Haydock Commercial Vehicles in a move it said secured the Swedish truck maker’s UK dealer and service network for the future.
The deal means it has acquired Haydock’s six branches in the North West, including in Warrington, Preston, Ellesmere Port, Widnes and Deeside and it also means Haydock’s owner Simon Dykes will say farewell to the business he built up over the last 22 years.
Scania UK MD Chris Newitt said: “Today is a special occasion, as we reinforce our commitment to our valued customers and the UK, by securing our dealer and service network for the future.
“I’m very pleased to be welcoming our Haydock colleagues to join our Scania GB family and hope we will continue to learn, grow and get stronger together. Not only for our own benefit, but also for every Scania owner in the UK.”
Dykes described the decision as “the end of an era” and added: “I will be saying goodbye to a business and brilliant colleagues I cherish most. I will always remember my time very fondly.
“But also, being happy in the knowledge that Haydock’s legacy and future is being left in safe hands with Chris and the Scania GB team.
“Together, I know in my heart that both businesses will reap the benefits. However, the big winners are our customers, as we will be better placed to support them today and into the future.”
Scania added that it was business as usual for its branches and workforce operationally, with the only changes being Newitt succeeding Dykes as chairman and Scania GB CFO Andreas Ödebrink and business operations director Emma Wilkins joining the board.
