The Trigano Group is racing ahead on the acquisition trail by snapping up two of the biggest names in UK motorcaravanning – Auto-Sleepers and Marquis Leisure.

This comes just a few days after we revealed that the Trigano Group is buying Adria. It’s certainly a strong start to 2017 for Trigano.

The French giant has now taken majority control of Auto-Sleepers Investments (ASI). That’s the company that owns both the van conversion and coachbuilt motorhome manufacturer and Marquis Leisure, Britain’s largest network of motorhome dealers.

No details of the sum Trigano has paid to take control were given.

British opportunities in Europe?

Geoff Scott and Mike Crouch originally merged Marquis Leisure and Auto-Sleepers to form ASI. They will both be continuing in their roles as directors, and will maintain their stakes in the company.

ASI says it is a positive move for the firm, as it will create synergies in purchasing and finance and open up extra avenues for Auto-Sleepers to expand into Europe.

Mr Crouch said it will be exciting to explore potential new opportunities as part of a much larger group.

Trigano is a £1.3bn turnover group whose brands already include Auto-Trail, Chausson, Benimar, Roller Team, Mobilvetta and Eura Mobil.

Strong performers

This move means a big change for one of the most famous and much-loved British motorhome manufacturers. With a range of Peugeot- and Mercedes-Benz-based ’vans, Auto-Sleepers has established itself as a firm favourite among UK motorcaravanners.

Indeed, it has consistently performed well in Practical Motorhome‘s Owner Satisfaction Awards.

It is also a brand that has won a place in the hearts of many here at Practical Motorhome, as we’ve run several of their ’vans on our fleet and enjoyed our time away in them. We therefore hope this will be a positive move for this well-regarded manufacturer.

Marquis Leisure is a well-known name to many motorcaravanners, too. With 11 branches across the UK, including sites near Plymouth, Ipswich and Durham, it is a major player in the British industry.

Of course, Marquis Leisure already exclusively imports some Trigano-owned motorhome marques, including Benimar and Mobilvetta. It also produces a range of dealer-special ’vans, the scope of which may increase in future seasons following this news.

We will update this story as we hear more.