Halifax's AGL acquires stake in Peterborough business

Activate Group Limited (AGL), the Halifax-based insurer solutions, fleet and risk management provider, has announced that Peterborough-based Sopp Parts is joining the group.

The purchase of a shareholding in Sopp Parts further strengthens AGL’s offering in the insurance claims, fleet management and vehicle repair sector.

This latest transaction follows AGL’s recent acquisitions of Car Repair Network, Sopp+Sopp and Vigilance which were announced in early September, and an investment in RVM Assist last month.

In addition, AGL has appointed Cleo Darler as managing director for Sopp Parts. Cleo has had a 15 year career in the fleet management industry, most recently as head of fleet and equipment for Tesco.com.

Prior to this, she was head of home shopping for Petit Forestier, responsible for providing a full fleet management solution to the company’s portfolio of supermarket clients.

Mark Woods, executive chairman at AGL, said: “This investment supports our strategic plan and I’m delighted to welcome Cleo to the group.

“Her in-depth knowledge of the fleet management sector and the challenges presented by operating a large fleet across multiple sites means she is extremely well placed to understand the current and future needs of the Sopp Parts customer base.”

Cleo added: “Having been a customer of Sopp Parts for several years, I am delighted to be appointed as managing director at this exciting time for the business.

“After roles as both fleet operator and fleet management provider, this is the perfect opportunity for me to bring my skills and experience together with a trusted brand in order to develop genuine, relevant solutions for our customers.”