A major announcement about developments in the distribution of Citroen and their DS range of cars in Ireland is eminent. By Gerry Murphy.

Autobiz has discovered that there is a new distributor for the PSA owned brands to be announced for Ireland in the coming weeks with International Motors Group in line to take 100% ownership of Citroen Motors Ireland.

Following discussions with several possible partners over a number of months Citroen bosses have concluded that the IM Group are the ideal company to take the brand forward in Ireland. Negotiations between Citroen and IM Group have been active for some time as the French car maker sought to improve their presence in Ireland and now it is only a matter of time before the deal will be ratified. Sources suggest that the announcement of the 100% takeover by IM Group of the Irish distribution will be confirmed by the end of September. 

IM Group is a family owned International business; the automotive division is headed by Andy Edmiston, son of founder Lord Robert Edmiston who established the business 38 years ago. IM Group represents, Subaru, Isuzu and Great Wall in the UK plus Subaru and Great Wall in Ireland, Sweden, Finland and the Baltic States.

According to Autobiz sources, all existing dealer contracts and other agreements will remain unchanged as part of the deal. There will be a change in the company name following closing of the transaction which is planned to take place on September 30th this year, once the share transaction has been notified to the competition authorities in Ireland. Until then, the business of Citroen Ireland will continue unchaned under current PSA ownership.