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Vertu first half profits rise 73 per cent

robert_forrester_2010_250Acquisitions fuelled profits at Vertu Motors in the half year to August 2010.

Pre-tax profits rose 72.9 per cent to £4.9m on turnover up 27.3 per cent to £511.1m.

Vertu has added 16 sales outlets in 9 locations since March this year and 29 since its placing in June 2009.

Like-for-like new retail sales rose 6.4 per cent for the period and 34.7 per cent overall, reflecting acquisitions.

Like-for-like fleet sales declined 8.2 per cent as the company undertook lower volumes of low margin fleet business.

Like-for-like used retail sales rose 6.1 per cent in the first half although margins fell because of the strong used market in 2009.

The company also continued to invest in aftersales, including products for customer retention such as service plans and a focus on training.

Vertu Motors chief executive Robert Forrester (pictured) said: “The group’s ability to integrate and drive operational improvements from acquired businesses is evidenced by the rising profitability announced today.

“The group continues to deliver on its stated objective to build a successful, scaled automotive retail operation in the United Kingdom.

“The acquisitions undertaken last year have performed strongly and yet still have the potential for further improvements in profitability.

“Our more recent acquisitions are already exhibiting significant operational improvements since purchase and this will underpin future profit growth.”

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