7 February 2017
In recent months it has become apparent that the level of interest in the UK retail automotive market from overseas businesses has significantly increased. Post Brexit, there has clearly been a significant shift in the exchange rate which benefits any foreign buyer looking to make an acquisition in the UK. Although, once in the UK, they then need to find a route to extract the profits back to their home country in a tax efficient manner which can sometimes be a challenge.
It is also a common comment that freehold property is a 'must' for any acquisition being considered by an overseas buyer. The UK is seen as a great investment market for property, due to the fact we are landlocked and, in the long term, it is generally a sound investment, especially in the retail areas that most dealerships are located in.
Whether it be US, South African, Middle Eastern, Chinese or European based businesses, it is only a matter of time before we see some significant change of ownership and some new faces on the scene, which can only be a good thing for the sector.
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