WORCESTER tyre firm Exhaust Tyres and Batteries Limited, better known as ETB, is expanding.

It has acquired Britannia Tyres Ltd, a tyre supplier and fitter with depots in Bristol, Coventry, Hinckley, Nuneaton and Derby. ETB distributes tyres, exhausts and automotive batteries to wholesale and retail markets across the country, while also providing MOTs and car maintenance services across a multitude of sites.

The acquisition, which follows funding support from Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, allows ETB to introduce a wider range of services to its customers and to extend its footprint into the south west of England. The deal is expected to increase the business’ current annual turnover from £35m to £50m.

Over the next year, ETB will create additional jobs ranging from tyre technicians to drivers as it bids to expand its already 270 strong workforce.

Chaz Ivill, director at ETB, said: “The business has experienced successful organic growth over the past four decades, and the acquisition of Britannia Tyres will accelerate our long-term plans for the business. Lloyds Bank has fully supported our ambition to expand, and has provided the financing we need in order to increase our geographical footprint and diversify our service offering.”

Jemal Omar, relationship director at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, added: “We have worked with ETB for more than 30 years and so naturally were keen to support their ambitious growth plans throughout the UK. Under Chaz’s stewardship the business has experienced great success and we look forward to continuing our partnership going forward."