SAGA Mercedes-Benz acquires Sparshatt Truck & Van

Sparshatt Truck and Van has been acquired by French dealership group SAGA Mercedes-Benz.

Sparshatt will continue to represent Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Vans, under its existing name, with no interruption of service to customers or changes of staff.

Previous owners, brothers Paul and Steve Rooney, remain in post to manage the dealer’s four sites in Ashford, Dartford, Sittingbourne and Tonbridge.

Steve Rooney, dealer principal at Sparshatt Truck and Van, said: “The vehicle and transport industries are going through a period of rapid change, which is only going to accelerate as electrification becomes more mainstream. Joining the SAGA family secures our long-term future and allows us to plan with full confidence.

“It’s a perfect match – both businesses share a strong ethos of always putting the customer first, and training and developing staff to fulfil their potential, while between us we can point to a total of 100 years of working with Mercedes-Benz. Local operators can be assured its very much business as usual at Sparshatt Truck and Van.”

The purchase, for an undisclosed sum, represents SAGA’s first expansion into the UK - it currently operates 14 Mercedes-Benz Truck dealerships and 15 Mercedes-Benz Van outlets across France, Belgium and Switzerland.

SAGA’s parent company RCM, which is based in La Roche-sur-Yon in the Vendee region of France, has a portfolio of no fewer than 118 sites representing automotive and marine brands, and employs a total of 2,750 people.

Philippe Canetti, director at SAGA Mercedes-Benz Trucks, said: “This move into the UK is an important step for us to grow our presence in matured markets across Europe. Sparshatt Truck and Van already follows our philosophy of ‘Respect, Performance and Passion’ and our business cultures align perfectly.

“We each have a fantastic amount of expertise in the commercial vehicle sector, and we are excited to be venturing into the UK during this time of transition towards e-mobility and advanced technology. Taking this first step across the Channel with Mercedes-Benz is the start of an exciting adventure for SAGA.”

Heiko Selzam, managing director at Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK, said: “As well as being great news for both Sparshatt Truck and Van and SAGA, this significant development is proof that our Dealer Network, and the UK transport sector in general, are attractive places for investment.

“We look forward to building on Sparshatt’s excellent reputation across Kent and beyond, to support our loyal customers and those who are new to the brand alike.”