A CAR dealer will keep looking to expand its presence in showrooms across the country after securing record profits.

Vertu Motors says further acquisition opportunities “continue to be assessed” as it seeks to mitigate the impact of variations in manufacturers’ performances.

Bosses confirmed their plans today (Wednesday, May 10) after revealing the business enjoyed its fifth consecutive year of growth in the period to February 28.

According to its figures, pre-tax profit stood at a record £29.8m, which was up from £26m a year ago, while revenues were also higher at £2.8bn.

The Gateshead-based firm said it was helped by previous deals to take on dealerships and a stable used car market, which meant more than 80,000 second-hand vehicles were sold annually for the first time.

Robert Forrester, chief executive, said: “Since our inception ten years ago, we have remained focused on consolidating the UK automotive retail sector to grow a scaled and sustainable dealership business.

“Our fifth consecutive year of growth evidences our continued delivery of this strategy.”

The company’s dealerships include Bristol Street Motors, with garages selling Nissan, Seat and Skoda vehicles in Darlington.

Those sites are complemented by a Ford operation in Hartlepool, a Honda showroom in Pity Me, on the outskirts of Durham City, and a Hyundai garage in Peterlee, east Durham.