Quantuma advises on the sale of Motorman to SYNETIQ

Advisors from consulting firm Quantuma have overseen the sale of engine remanufacturer Motorman to vehicle management company SYNETIQ. The process was led by advisors Mark Lucas and Fardeen Nariman.

Founded in 2013, corporate recovery and business advisory firm Quantuma has seen a busy period recently, as a number of previously up-and-coming UK businesses have floundered amid difficult trading conditions. Earlier in the year, the firm was appointed for the administration of a Brighton-based short-lets agency, and oversaw the brokering of a deal to rescue building housing project in the Liverpool docks area.

Quantuma also advises beyond the world of corporate recovery, however. Most recently, this has seen the firm’s corporate finance team advise on the sale of Motorman to SYNETIQ.

St Albans-based Motorman is an independent remanufacturer and supplier of engines, transmissions and drive train products and an integral partner to the UK fleet industry, operating across the UK and processing over 100,000 vehicles each year. Established over 50 years ago by Tony Zalkin, the business has built an enviable reputation for its technical expertise, product quality and nationwide service capability.

The entire Motorman team has been retained and will continue to be led by sales director Brian Cafferty. The business will be integrated into the SYNETIQ business, with a priority to ensure a smooth transition for clients, suppliers and colleagues. 

Mark Lucas, Partner at Quantuma, said, “Motorman is an attractive strategic fit with SYNETIQ given its 50-year trading history and long-standing relationships with blue chip clients – a key market for SYNETIQ. We are delighted that Motorman has found a suitable home within SYNETIQ that will help it grow and prosper. We wish Tony and Marion the very best. They have earned a well-deserved retirement.”

Tony Zalkin, founder of Motorman, added, “I am proud of the business that Marion, myself and our dedicated team have built over the years, but the timing is right to enjoy our retirement with the knowledge that the synergy between the two companies is an ideal marriage to enhance future growth for both companies. I know that our legacy is in good hands with both Brian and the SYNETIQ business. I also want to thank Mark and Fardeen for their professionalism and friendship throughout this process in helping us achieve an exemplary outcome.”

The acquisition saw the sale of Motorman’s entire share capital to SYNETIQ, which is the UK's largest vehicle management company, offering services to all sectors of the industry. Across 16 sites, the firm has teams dedicated to each step of the vehicle management process, from recovery using a fleet of trucks, through to assessment using its team of engineers, through to sale on the company’s auction platform or dismantling at the UK's largest vehicle dismantlers.

Tom Rumboll, Executive Chairman at SYNETIQ, said of the move, “SYNETIQ was created to build the UK’s best and most innovative provider of solutions to the parts, salvage and fleet market. The acquisition of Motorman is another step in enhancing our market-leading proposition and will allow us to unlock real synergies for the benefit of our clients, customers and colleagues. We wish Tony and Marion all the best in their retirement and look forward to welcoming Brian and the team into the SYNETIQ family.”