Completed sale
Manston Mobility Vehicle Maintenance & Hire Business Sold to The Scooter Club (UK) | Case Study
Knightsbridge remained in cruise control before accelerating the sale of a mobility scooter specialist… Manston Mobility is a retailer of disability equipment that was established in 2014, and purchased by our clients, Managing Director Steve Brown and Director Jennifer Brown, in 2016. The husband-and-wife ownership team offered the company for sale to pursue other, related business ventures, which could result in a useful collaboration. Manston offers an extensive selection of disability equipment, including mobility scooters, walking aids, general living aids and recliners. The company continued to expand and relocated to its current premises in 2022 to accommodate. It also specialises in the repair of mobility scooters and wheelchairs. Its showroom in Kent is full of mobility scooters, wheelchairs, rise and recline chairs, and the site in which repairs are conducted. Manston also has a strong online presence, currently providing its services to 1,200 active customers, with approximately 30% of clients providing reliable, repeat business on an ongoing basis. The company operates a successful retail business, which receives a regular repeat custom, and a high stream of new visitors and buyers each day. The result of good management: year-on-year increases in turnover, gross profit, and shareholder funds. Manston has successfully cultivated lasting relationships with customers. Knightsbridge Sales Negotiator Paige Brindle, who led the sale of Manston, explained how we met our clients’ needs: “We generated steady interest after going live on the market with Manston, and we received a fairly high offer, but as Steve wasn’t in a rush to sell, we stalled and continued our search. “Due to a sudden circumstance change, Steve needed to sell – and fast. We placed our focus on a quick sale and generated two competing offers. The Browns wished to move out of the area as soon as possible, and have other businesses similar to Manston that are progressing well, so they were happy with the deal and speed of the sale.” The buyer: The Scooter Club (UK) Ltd, which trades as Lifestyle & Mobility. Following an unfortunate accident to the founder, it was formed in 2002 out of a converted minibus, providing free site visits to customers’ homes to provide expert knowledge and to test mobility equipment first-hand. Now, Lifestyle & Mobility is a leading Essex-based provider of mobility equipment made up of several locations across the South of England, as well as operating its well-reviewed e-commerce shop. Manston Mobility, whether rebranded or acting as a standalone partner, will find its natural place in the Scooter Club group. Paige concluded: “I was pleased to form a good relationship with both parties, and delighted that we helped Steve and Jennifer massively with our solicitors being able to process the sale in just one month. Further to this, we found a buyer which will allow a seamless transition.”