TRIVETT Retail has bought south-east Queensland automotive retailer Northstar Motor Group, bringing its Queensland locations to six and franchises to 11 brands.

The purchase now gives Trivett, the retail division of distribution company Inchcape Australia, stronger representation on the east coast with 12 locations in NSW, six in Victoria and, with the addition of Northstar’s sites in Kippa-Ring, Morayfield and Rothwell, to six in Queensland.

Northstar Group general manager Michael Wroe said Trivett took over the business on September 1. He said there were no changes to the franchises or staff.

Northstar was owned by Queensland automotive businessman Greg Eastment who had been active in acquiring and selling dealerships in the state.

In September 2012, while a shareholder in Pacific Toyota, he joined with business partner John Doolan to create NQ Auto Group and buy the Parry Nissan, Suzuki and Renault dealership in Townsville. Parry Nissan has been one of the biggest Nissan dealers in Queensland.

The multi-million dollar deal between NQ Auto Group and the vendors, the Parry family led by Alan and brother John who started the business in 1979, included the business’ substantial commercial property that is close to the Townsville CBD.

Mr Doolan remains a director and the dealer principal of NQ Auto Group that trades as Parry NQ Nissan, Suzuki and Renault.

In September 2014, Mr Eastment sold his share in the Pacific Toyota dealership – that included Lexus of Cairns, Pacific Hino, Coral Motors, Opposite Lock 4WD and Pacific Toyota service centres – and in June 2015, bought 80 per cent of Northstar with the vendors, Bob and Suzi Aldons, retaining 20 per cent.

GoAutoNews Premium was unsuccessful in contacting with Mr Eastment.

By Neil Dowling