The owner of Mackie Motors describes the decision to sell the Angus car dealership as “hugely difficult and emotional”.
Mackie Motors’ history can be traced to 1977, when Ron and Janie Mackie opened a Renault franchise in Brechin.
Son Kevin took charge in 1994 and the business expanded to Arbroath with a Nissan franchise. It added franchises Dacia in 2012 and MG in 2019.
Mr Mackie is also chairman of Brechin City Football Club, who sit third in the Highland League.
The value of the sale of Mackie Motors to Glasgow firm Park’s Motor Group has not been disclosed.
‘Honoured’ to serve Angus
Mr Mackie said: “It was a hugely difficult and emotional process for me given our family history in the industry.
“I trust Park’s to continue to look after the customers we have been honoured to look after over the last 45 years.”
Signs at the three Mackie Motors branches have now been changed to Park’s.
Mr Mackie said he was proud of the business his family has built and its reputation for good quality service.
But added economies of scale was now essential in the motor trade and Mackie’s being part of a larger group made sense.
“Park’s might give Angus customers access to other franchises, which is a positive thing,” he said.
Park’s dealerships stretch all over Scotland and include the Ford Transit Centre in Perth.
Commitment to Brechin City FC
Mr Mackie said the sale doesn’t mean Brechin City will now be able to afford to sign England captain Harry Kane.
But he said the club would not be a “one season wonder” and would mount a serious promotion challenge next season.
He also said he has no intention of retiring.
The 54-year-old said: “Anyone who knows me knows I’ve got a vision to live to 100.
“I have no intention to stop working.
“My father is 82, looks really well and he’s been active all his days.
“There’s no way I’m flying off into the sunset.”
Mackie Motors sales
Park’s said it is happy to welcome Mackie Motors colleagues into the larger group.
The company said: “We have known the Mackie Motors business for a long time due to the level of success they have enjoyed within their local communities.
“We are delighted that we could complete the deal and look forward to growing these businesses and the wider group over the coming years.”
Mackie Motors has annual sales of between £26 million and £30m.
It sells around 2,200 used and new cars a year and employs 70 staff in Angus.
It operates from Montrose Road in Arbroath and two sites in Brechin’s Clerk Street.
