Geldards’ Corporate team has advised automotive giant Lithia UK on the landmark acquisition of Hatfields Group in a move to strengthen their partnership with Jaguar Land Rover and increase their presence in the North of England.
Lithia UK operates over 150 vehicle dealership sites across the UK through their well-known retail groups Evans Halshaw and Stratstone, and represent over 25 OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) across a wide network of retailers. With a focus on strategic growth, Lithia has created a strong footprint of well-known brands across the US and the UK.
This major acquisition which includes four new Land Rover dealerships in Hull, Liverpool, Pickering and Shrewsbury, strengthens their partnership with Jaguar Land Rover, making Lithia UK one of their largest retail partners. The acquisition also sees Lithia UK add their first OMODA & JAECOO store to their dealership portfolio.
Geldards’ Corporate team advised Lithia UK on the acquisition. Renowned for specialist M&A experience spanning a wide range of sectors and clients with a particular focus on the automotive industry, the team was led by Partners Simon Davers and Gemma Wrighton, supported by Senior Associate Sarah Bailey-Parke and Solicitor Charlotte Hajduk in the Corporate team and drawing on expertise from Partner Gemma Wrighton in Geldards’ Commercial Property team.
Commenting on the deal Paul Westaway Managing Director for Hatfields & Stratstone Luxury & Exotics said: We thank Geldards for their exceptional work in guiding us through this acquisition. Their professionalism and expertise played a key role in bringing this deal to completion.”
Partner Simon Davers said: “Geldards is proud to enjoy a long standing relationship with Lithia UK and we were pleased to advise them on the major acquisition of Hatfields Group. We were delighted to work with Richard Maloney and the team at Lithia UK to ensure the smooth acquisition of the group.”
Posted on 14 November 2025
