The German caravan and motorhome builder, Europe’s largest, completed its takeover of the Consett, County Durham-based Explorer Group, which owns the Elddis, Compass, Xplore and Buccanneer brands, on Wednesday acquiring 100 per cent of its shares.

Rob Quine, Explorer Group’s Managing Director, will continue in the role and the company will be renamed the Erwin Hymer Group UK.

Rob said: “We’re all really looking forward to becoming part of the Erwin Hymer Group. It’s fantastic that such a successful organisation is investing in our future. We will exploit this strategic opportunity to create permanent added value for our customers.”

The Erwin Hymer Group already owns Dethleffs, Hymer, Burstner, Eriba, Laika, Carado, Sunlight and Niesmann+Bischoff.

Its CEO, Martin Brandt, added: “By acquiring the Explorer Group, we are strengthening our involvement in the UK. As the leading European manufacturer, we see strategic opportunities in the second largest European caravanning market.”