Scottish firm R&J Strang Tyre Services has been bought by Continental Tyre Group to strengthen its commercial fleet offering across the UK and Ireland.

Founded in 1995, R&J Strang is a family-run business that services commercial vehicle fleets across Scotland from its four depots.

Okan Tamer, Continental Tyre Group managing director, said: “We have worked with R&J Strang for over 20 years. During this time the business has grown and expanded its coverage, they have continued to invest in their fleet of 24 mobile fitting vans and in providing professional training for its tyre technicians. This has enabled them to offer the best and most reliable service to their customers. 

“Because of these strengths, and our existing close business relationship, this acquisition made logical sense to both businesses and importantly to our customers.

“This step will further improve Continental’s service to commercial vehicle fleets across the important central belt of Scotland, and I look forward to meeting the employees over the coming days.”

The takeover establishes R&J Strang as a wholly owned subsidiary of Continental UK Group Holdings. Founders Robert and Jackie Strang will remain in position following the acquisition, with operations director Lynn Strang and purchasing director Scott Strang becoming full time employees post-acquisition to oversee the transition and manage the business long term.

Continental has a long-standing relationship with R&J Strang, who have been a partner of the Conti360 Fleet Services Network for many years.

During the course of this successful business relationship, both companies have developed close links, building on their many organisational and business synergies and strengthening shared cultural principles, with an emphasis on commitment to customer service and value creation.  Attributes which both companies are confident will be further enhanced by the acquisition.

Robert Strang, co-founder of R&J Strang, said: “Our business has been built on the strength of our service offering, and our honest and approachable attitude to customers. 

“We have always believed that the advice and expertise we give our customers is as essential as the products themselves - values we clearly share with Continental.”

The R&J Strang acquisition is the next step in Continental’s continued investment in its commercial fleet service offering across the UK & Ireland.

It follows Continental’s acquisition of Bandvulc in 2016, where Continental and Bandvulc have successfully integrated key parts of the business, strengthening their overall customer service capabilities and developing business processes in harmony, it said. 

Continental are committed to ensuring an equally successful integration in this latest investment in R&J Strang.

Arthur Gregg, managing director at Bandvulc, said: “The R&J Strang acquisition helps Continental expand our service offering in strategic points across the UK, which is excellent news for our customers.

“It highlights Continental’s strategic roadmap, investment and commitment to offering the best customer service across the country while developing a strong dealer network across the UK.”