Activate Group, a Halifax-based provider of accident management services, has acquired Avant Group, the Huddersfield collision repair specialist.
As part of the deal Activate Group has acquired Avant Group’s three key brands: Avant Consult, Avant Repair Network and Bodynet.
The move brings together two complementary businesses with shared strengths in the insurance, fleet and repair sectors.
The deal supports the growth plans of both businesses, delivering significant scale across claims and repair management. Activate Group also welcomes Avant’s manufacturer paint and body programmes to its existing service offering.
The acquisition of Bodynet, Avant’s established bodyshop management system, further strengthens the strategic alignment between the two businesses, enhancing the market offering of Onyx Repair Innovations Ltd – Activate Group’s sister company.
Avant Group’s leadership team will remain in place, continuing in their current roles. Mark Johnstone will head up the business, joining the Activate Group executive team as managing director of Avant Group. Avant Repair Network will continue to be led by Chris Ryder and his senior team, and Neil Blackman will remain as account director of the group’s Automotive division.
The deal is supported by a further investment from Elysian Capital, building on its initial backing of Activate Group in 2024.
Hannah Wilcox, Activate Group CEO, said: “This marks a significant milestone for Activate Group. Avant Group’s specialist expertise enhances our existing proposition and supports our ambition to deliver the UK’s most advanced, end-to-end accident and repair solutions. Together, we’re giving insurers, fleets and partners even more reasons to choose our services.
“Mark and the Avant team have built a strong business with a great reputation. I’m looking forward to working with them, continuing to deliver the same high-quality service they are known for, and bringing investment and digital infrastructure to ensure continued innovation for customers and partners.”
Mark Johnstone added: “Joining Activate Group is the next natural step in our growth. We’re proud of the service and culture we’ve built, and the strong relationships we have with our clients and repair partners.
“Becoming part of Activate Group gives us the opportunity to grow faster, expand our reach and bring even more value to our clients, partners and people, and we’re excited about what we can now achieve together.”
