A pair of businesses which supply safety products to the transport industry, one of which is private equity-backed, have merged in a deal supported by FRP Corporate Finance.
Elite Vehicle Supplies, a Stokesley-based specialist supplier of fire suppression, safety and accessibility products for the bus and coach industry, has joined forces with Vehicle Accessories Solutions Ltd, trading as Motormax.
The merger marks the launch of Motormax Group, and is designed to strengthen both firms’ position in the UK commercial fleet and passenger transport safety market.
Founded in 2010, Lichfield-headquartered Motormax is a UK fleet safety technology company specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of innovative safety products.
In 2025, Motormax secured investment from MxP Partners LLP, accelerating the company’s growth strategy through increased investment in research and development, enhanced engineering capability, and expansion into new sectors and international markets.
Charlie Street, Motormax director and partner at MxP, said: “This marks an important milestone for Motormax Group. With a continued focus on research and development and ongoing investment in innovation, we are well positioned to bring new technologies to market and support our customers’ evolving safety requirements.
“We are establishing our position as the UK’s largest, most innovative fleet safety supplier, delivering even greater value to customers and helping to shape the future of fleet safety.”
Elite Vehicle Supplies has built a strong reputation across the bus and coach industry, working with operators, vehicle manufacturers and regulatory bodies including Transport for London.
Under the new structure, Elite Vehicle Supplies will continue to operate under its established brand, with its existing employees remaining in place including founders Scott Forman and Jayne Forman.
Scott Forman said: “Elite and Motormax share a customer-first approach and a commitment to delivering tailored solutions that help operators meet compliance requirements and improve safety and operational performance.
“By bringing together our complementary service offering and expertise, we can offer customers access to a broader range of proven fleet safety solutions.”
FRP Corporate Finance’s Manchester team, led by partner Daniel Brecker, partner Adrian Gare and associate director Amy Murphy, acted as advisers to the shareholders of Elite Vehicle Supplies.
The team worked with the shareholders to prepare the business for investment, and were able to identify Motormax as a key strategic investor.
Brecker said: “Fleet operators are increasingly investing in advanced safety technologies, not only to meet evolving regulatory requirements, but also to strengthen their duty of care, protect drivers and vulnerable road users, reduce operational risk and improve overall fleet performance.
“This is driving demand for specialist suppliers such as Elite Vehicle Supplies, which has developed a strong position in a highly regulated market through its technical expertise, customer relationships and focus on tailored solutions.
“Motormax Group represents an excellent strategic partner for the business, and we’re pleased to have supported the shareholders in delivering a successful outcome.”
Gare added: “Motormax had a clear strategic ambition to accelerate its growth in passenger transport, and Elite Vehicle Supplies represented a strong fit from both a technical and customer perspective.
“Our role was to work closely with the management team to help turn that ambition into a deliverable transaction.
“The result is a deal that brings together complementary capabilities and gives Motormax Group a stronger platform for long-term growth, and we look forward to seeing the business build on this to meet increasingly complex fleet requirements.”
Other advisers to Elite Vehicle Supplies included Jackson Law (legal), Saffery (vendor assist) and KPMG (tax). Motormax Group was advised by Knights (legal), Cooper Parry (financial and tax due diligence) and RSM (debt advisory).
David Adams, corporate and commercial partner at Jackson Law, said: “It’s been a privilege to act for Elite and witness its remarkable growth from its inception in 2020 to the successful business it is today.
“As a partner in an independent law firm, I am able to offer more than legal advice; it enables me to work closely with clients as a trusted adviser, supporting them through their business journey and helping them achieve their ambitions.
“I would like to wish Scott, Jayne and the Motormax team every success as they continue to grow in the years ahead.”
