The Vertu Motor Group has bought car dealership company Blakes for an undisclosed sum.

The deal has given Newcastle-based Vertu Vauxhall franchises in Chesterfield and Matlock as well as Peugeot retail operations in Chesterfield and Worksop.

Blakes was sold by David Merifield, which has ended 55 years of his family’s ownership of the business.

Merifield, who is also Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire chamber of commerce president, said the time was right for a new owner to take the business to the next level. “It has become increasingly difficult for smaller independent dealerships to make real headway in what is a fiercely competitive sector.”

Merifield was advised by Derby law firm Geldards, led by partner Andrew Borkowski.