Wholesale giant Oak Group Holdings has reshaped its business model for 2026, moving into the retail sector for the first time in its 45-year history through the acquisition of Exhaust, Tyres and Batteries (ETB) from Bridgestone.
The deal represents a major strategic pivot for the Newton-le-Willows-based firm, which is best known to independent garages as the powerhouse behind the Davanti and Envoy tyre brands.
By absorbing the entire ETB operation, Oak Group inherits a workforce of over 200 people and a business generating a turnover in excess of £65m.
While the move into retail is the headline grabber, the acquisition also provides a significant boost to Oak’s core wholesale capabilities.
The agreement includes four major warehouses situated across Wales, the Midlands, and the South West of England.
These assets are expected to drastically improve regional coverage in Western Britain, strengthening the national distribution network that many UK workshops rely on for daily stock.
The integration is aided by an existing synergy between the two companies; ETB’s current inventory already features several brands distributed by Oak Tyres, including Landsail, Linglong, Delinte, and Aptany.
The acquisition comes at a time of significant transition for the UK’s fast-fit landscape, following the recent closure of ATS Euromaster and shifts in the market shares of other major chains.
By taking over the ETB network, Oak Group gains immediate, direct access to the motoring public.
The company has stated it intends to apply its “technology-led approach” to the retail space, potentially setting a new benchmark for brand-driven service in the fast-fit sector.
Peter Cross, Commercial Director at Oak Group Holdings said: “2026 marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Oak. This milestone acquisition demonstrates the strength of our business, our continued investment, and our long-term commitment as a wholesaler operating in what has been a turbulent and challenging market in recent years.
“We are very excited to welcome ETB colleagues to the Oak Group,” Cross added. “We know the ETB team has vast experience and our values are closely aligned in terms of the importance of customer service in every aspect of what we do.”
