Bevan Group has set the seal on a year of 40th anniversary celebrations by completing its acquisition of Black Country neighbour A&R Vehicle Services.

Bevan is best-known as a commercial vehicle bodybuilder, and as a provider of planned and emergency aftercare services covering bodywork and ancillaries such as tail-lifts, cranes, and roller shutter doors.

A&R Vehicle Services, meanwhile, is an accident repair and refurbishment specialists, and a supplier to some of the UK’s best-known operators of trucks, trailers, buses and vans.

The Bevan Group acquired an initial shareholding in A&R Services in 2013, with the intention of taking full control in the medium term. The new deal, which was concluded for an undisclosed sum, means it has now achieved this goal.

While retaining its production facilities in Halesowen and Oldbury, Bevan moved late last year to a smart new headquarters in Wednesbury, close to Junction 9 of the M6 and close to A&R’s own base on Darlaston Road.

To provide continuity for established customers, Ron Rushworth, a co-founder of A&R Vehicle Services in 1989, and his fellow director Colin Bannister will retain day-to-day responsibility for the running of the business.

With 40,000 sq ft of workshop space, including a recycled shot blast bay, specialist chassis straightening equipment, paint preparation booths and three low bake ovens, all backed by a fully-stocked parts store, A&R is geared up to undertake a comprehensive range of assignments.

Anthony Bevan, managing director of Bevan Group, said: “Our customers have been benefiting from A&R’s accident repair and refurbishment services since we purchased our initial stake in the business four years ago.

“But given the outstanding quality of its people and facilities, as well as the reputation it enjoys within the industry – which explains why we’ll be retaining the A&R Vehicle Services trading name – we have also recognised the huge potential for growth which it offers.

“The fact that we have finally assumed complete control of the business means we can now bring our sales and marketing expertise fully into play, to make the most of these opportunities.”       

The six-acre A&R site offers ample space for expansion. As a result, the new owner has embarked on the process of relocating its Bevan Specialist Products team from their factory in Stone, Staffordshire, to Wednesbury.

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