Aston Barclay has agreed sale-and-leaseback deals for four vehicle auction sites to support its strategy of profitable debt-free growth.

Aston Barclay has signed sale and leaseback deals for its Chelmsford, Westbury, Prees Heath and Leeds sites

The remarketing specialist has signed long-term lease deals for the Chelmsford, Westbury, Prees Heath and Leeds sites, following the success of its Donington and Wakefield leases.

Three of the properties have been acquired by a London-based multi-asset manager, with the other being purchased by a private investor. Neither has any links to the remarketing sector.

Aston Barclay said the deals were a strategic move to enhance its ability to focus on profitable growth, adding that being debt-free would enable it to continue investments in its core business.

Greg MacLeod, executive chairman at Aston Barclay, commented: “The sale-and-leaseback of these four properties is a strategic decision that enhances our ability to focus on profitable growth. We are committed to our six sites, and they are crucial to our growth plans.

“This deal does not affect the day-to-day operations across our sites and the group will continue to trade as usual.

“The agreement means that Aston Barclay are completely debt-free. The business continues to be profitable and scalable, and we continue to invest in our customer offer.

“We continue to welcome our vendors and buyers to our six sites across the UK, and I look forward to us working together in partnership to deliver mutual growth in 2024 and beyond.”