LAW firm Gordon Brown Associates has helped a regional motor business to expand with the acquisition of a fourth motor dealership.

The firm had acted for Richard Hardie for more than a decade when it helped the business buy its Sunderland dealership in 2001, and has now carried out the acquisition of its latest site.

The business has acquired Gainmanor’s Fiat dealership at Silverlink, North Tyneside, not only expanding its geographical reach, but also the range of vehicles it offers.

Richard Hardie has Peugeot dealerships in Sunderland, Chester-le-Street and Ashington, Northumberland, and the new venture will also see the introduction of the Fiat range into the latter site.

The Silverlink dealership will be managed by Nick Hardie, son of managing director Philip. He has been with the business for more than a decade.

It employs a team of 35, with many of the staff having been retained from the acquired business.

Philip Hardie said: “We have been looking to add a Fiat franchise to our business for some time, because they offer an attractive range of economically and environmentally- considerate models, which are becoming increasingly desirable and affordable.

“We have worked with Gordon Brown Associates for almost 20 years and, as a happy client, continue to use their legal services for our business needs.”