The acquisition involves the share capital of Autospeed Tyre and Exhaust Centres, of Bristol and Ebley Tyre Services, of Gloucester, and the assets and business of Bristol-based Manor Tyre Group.

The companies operate similar car tyre, exhaust replacement and other services to Kwik-Fit and are centred in the south and south west.

Their combined annual turnover is £20 million and profits before tax and directors' salaries amounts to £1.2 million. Net assets of Ebley were £400,000, Manor £2.2 million and Autospeed £1.5 million.

Kwik-Fit paid £7.1 million cash and unsecured loan notes of £5.2 million for the businesses. It now has 687 centres in the UK as well as 100 mobile tyre fitting vehicles, 23 Centuri Distribution Centres and a 25% stake in Apples Car Clinics.