Graham Newton and Toby Underwood, business restructuring partners at accountants and business advisers BDO Stoy Hayward, were appointed joint administrative receivers of the business last Friday.

The privately-owned dealership focused on Volkswagen, Audi and Seat models selling new cars, fleet cars and used vehicles supported by a full after sales facility including vehicle servicing, repairs and a dedicated parts team.

With an annual turnover of £140m a year, it traded from six separate sites across West and North Yorkshire.

The business was established in 1996 in Huddersfield by Richard Smith.
Graham Newton, business restructuring partner at BDO Stoy Hayward, said: "I am delighted to be able to confirm that we have sold five of the six dealerships to the Leicester-based Sytner Group Ltd and, in the process have saved 300 jobs."

The sites saved include three VW dealerships in Leeds, Huddersfield and Harrogate and the collapsed businesses' Audi and SEAT sites in Huddersfield.

A remaining site - the firm's VW Otley/Menston franchise - has been closed and an unspecified number the staff have been made redundant.

Mr Newton said the overall result had been achieved because of the immense effort on the part of the receivers, Sytner Group and all stakeholders.

Sytner Group, managing director, Gerard Nieuwenhuys, said: "We are delighted to acquire these businesses within such a short space of time.

"Audi Huddersfield runs contiguously with our current Audi businesses and the acquisition has provided us with the opportunity of entering the Volkswagen and Seat brands in a fantastic territory.

He added: "I would like to reassure all customers that the businesses are now in a sound financial position and we look forward to the opportunity of serving their needs for many years to come."

The company added that any customers with concerns about their vehicle should contact their Richard Alexander garage for more details.

Customer queries should be directed to 0161 8177 561.