S. African Company Buys U.K.’s Pentagon Dealer Network

Motus, the newly formed vehicle division of South Africa’s Imperial Holdings Ltd., has acquired British dealership chain Pentagon Motor Holdings for 493 million rand ($37 million).

Pentagon owns 21 dealerships in England that handle 12 English, European, Asian and U.S. brands. Motus operates a rental car company in South Arica, imports vehicles to the country and offers vehicle-related financial services.

The acquisition is expected to be completed in September. The deal will give Motus, which has been expanding internationally, access to the British markets for passenger cars and light-duty commercial vehicles.

Last year Pentagon generated £495 million ($66 million) in sales. Imperials revenue totaled 120 billion rand ($9 billion), about 58% of which was generated by Motus.