UK-based Steer Automotive Group continues its stellar growth trajectory with the acquisition of Gemini Accident Repair Centres' 37 sites and head office.

Founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Richard Steer, Steer Automotive has expanded through 19 acquisitions, establishing a network of nearly 150 repair centres. The group is well funded through investment from Oakley Capital after reaching an agreement at the start of this year. At the time of that agreement Steer represented 5% of the UK collision market and The Sunday Times newspaper ranked it as the 36th fastest-growing business in the UK. At that time Steer employed over 2,300 people and repaired more than 115,000 vehicles a year. It was also recognised by The Independent newspaper as one of the top 100 job creators in the country and was awarded ‘ESG Excellence Accreditation’ for its sustainability strategy.
Steer is a key partner for the UK’s leading vehicle insurers, accident management companies and OEM dealerships, holding 43 manufacturer accreditations, including recommendation and approval for major brands such as Porsche, Rolls Royce, Bentley, McLaren, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, JLR, Tesla, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen Group, Stellantis and Ford.
Gemini ARC was originally founded by twins Tim and Andrew Hopkins in 1986 when they opened their first site in Stourport. In July 1985 the brothers had built the network to 11 sites and sold to the major consolidator of the time Nationwide in 2005. Andrew Hopkins came to Australia, bought the flailing repair group AUSARC and set up Gemini ARC with 14 sites in 2009. By 2015 when Gemini merges AMA Group it has 40 sites. Tim 're-founded' Gemini ARC in the UK in 2008 - today he is handing over control as he departs from the business.
Gemini Accident Repairs will maintain its brand under the name, Gemini Accident Repairs, part of the Steer Automotive Group.