AA DriveTech, part of the AA Group, has announced that it has bought Powys-based Nationwide 4x4, a provider of driver training and events for drivers of off-road vehicles and machinery, for an undisclosed sum.

Nationwide 4x4, formed in 1995, operates in the 4x4, 6x6 and 8x8 vehicle sector. Driven by escalating maintenance costs and the demands of insurance companies, the company offers training in a range of heavy duty vehicles and machinery used by a variety of different organisations such as government, blue light and utilities, as well as many commercial organisations.

Courses offered include:

• 4x4 professional off road driving
• 4x4 instructional techniques
• 4x4 off road instructor
• 4x4 off-road Health & Safety

In addition, Nationwide 4x4 is a major organiser of off road motor sporting activities within the UK.

The company, which is a LANTRA-approved and a RoSPA-accredited training provider, will continue to trade as a separate legal entity while becoming a trading operation within the AA DriveTech business.

Selwyn Kendrick, Nationwide 4x4’s owner will join AA DriveTech and be active in the integration and expansion of the business.

AA DriveTech’s MD Jim Kirkwood said: “This deal is all about great strategic fit and a significant expansion of our specialist driver training portfolio.

“The introduction of the Corporate Manslaughter Act, and recent bad winters, has highlighted for many organisations that they need to have 4x4 vehicles available, and drivers properly trained to operate them safely, to ensure business and reputational continuity.

"Nationwide 4x4 therefore enables us to expand the breadth of our portfolio and offer an even more comprehensive “one-stop-shop” to our customers.”

Kendrick added: “I’ve had a business relationship with the AA for some time and am truly delighted to be joining the AA family full time. We’re keen to grow the business significantly in the next few years and access to the resources that the AA can provide will help us expand on our leadership position in this developing marketplace.”