DORSET car giant Seward has been taken over – saving more than 135 jobs from being axed.

As reported by the Daily Echo, the Seward Wessex arm of the business went into administration last month.

The administration affected the Branksome, Christchurch and Blandford sites, with Blandford and Christchurch seeing 46 job losses in total in an effort to save the overall business.

Administrators Smith and Williamson closed the Blandford site completely, while in Christchurch the parts business was shut down.

But now, Eden (GM), which already runs Vauxhall and Chevrolet dealerships around the south, has stepped in to save the parts of the business which remain.

The deal will safeguard the flagship dealership at Branksome, as well as the Christchurch sales operation.

One of the administrators, Greg Palfrey, said: “This deal, put together in quite a tight timeframe, means the jobs of more than 135 people are thankfully safeguarded.

“I wish to publicly thank the staff at Seward Wessex for their outstanding professionalism during what was, understandably, an anxious and uncertain time for their families and themselves.

“Our decision to wind down two economically unviable sites in Blandford and Grange Road, Christchurch, with the regrettable loss of 46 jobs overall, meant that we could ensure the core business of Seward Wessex could be saved.

“Seward’s loyal customers also deserve praise for their understanding and patience, some of whom expressed their gratitude in writing.”

Graeme Potts, MD and owner of Eden (GM), said: “This is an exciting time for Eden and we thank Greg and his team for everything they have done in ensuring the viability of the Seward Wessex business.

“Our focus in East Dorset will be on combining the best practices of the very top large companies with the individual service and personalisation characteristic of many smaller private firms.

“Customer service will be paramount to the company, along with growth and profitability.”