Imperial Commercials has acquired Macclesfield-based DAF Trucks commercial vehicle service centre, AM Bell.

The acquisition follows the retirement of AM Bell directors, Stella Bell and Mick Cope.

AM Bell's current staff will transfer to the new business.

The dealership, which is now named Imperial Commercials Macclesfield, had already established itself as a successful, independent service centre within the DAF Dealer network.

Plans to develop the business by recruiting additional workshop staff are already underway.

Facilities in Macclesfield comprise a five-bay workshop and, importantly for local operators with any fleet make-up, an ATF lane and tachograph centre.

All prerequisite modern workshop equipment is included and is staffed by six technicians.

Steve Affleck, regional director at Imperial Commercials said:  “This acquisition has allowed us to expand our footprint into a key area.

“The business is well established and already boasts many loyal Daf customers, and we will continue to deliver those high service levels to which they have become accustomed – indeed, we will strive to exceed them with additional technicians and parts lines, including Daf Trucks’ exceptional TRP range of all-makes and trailer parts.

“With investment into key areas of the business,” he said, “we forecast strong growth on the back of our excellent aftersales offering.”

Imperial Commercials’ managing director Matt Lawrenson said: “This acquisition further supports Imperial Commercials’ growth strategy for its UK footprint within the Daf Dealer Network. Daf Trucks is a key strategic trading partner for Imperial Commercials.

“With our values very much aligned and our brands combining well to deliver Service Excellence for our extensive UK customer base.

"AM Bell is an important Service point, an excellent business and will fit seamlessly into our Stoke on Trent Region.”