H.R. Owen

H.R. Owen is a British luxury motor-retailing group headquartered in London. It specializes in the retail, servicing, maintenance, and customer experience operations of high-end automotive marques rather than manufacturing vehicles under its own name. Its dealership portfolio has included Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati, Lamborghini, and Bugatti, giving the company a particularly strong position in the United Kingdom's prestige and supercar market. The business was established by Harold Rolfe Owen, a former Royal Flying Corps officer and Indian Army serviceman who entered the motor trade after the First World War. Owen joined the London Rolls-Royce and Bentley retailer Jack Barclay in 1927 and became its general manager. In February 1932 he opened his own Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealership in Berkeley Street, Mayfair. The original business was interrupted by the Second World War, and Owen died in 1940 before he could personally oversee its post-war revival. Percy Fritz Swain acquired and reopened the company in 1946, subsequently expanding it through related retail, servicing, supplier, and coachbuilding interests. H.R. Owen's corporate ownership changed several times during the second half of the twentieth century. Its Rolls-Royce and Bentley distributorships were sold to Provincial Traction Company in 1959. Provincial Traction later became associated with the Wiles Group, Hanson Trust, Lex, and Heron Holdings. The business remained within Gerald Ronson's Heron Group for almost a quarter-century before being acquired by Malaya Group plc in 1994. In 1997, Malaya Group adopted the H.R. Owen name, creating H.R. Owen plc. A major expansion phase followed. In 2000, H.R. Owen acquired Jack Barclay, reuniting two historically important London names in Rolls-Royce and Bentley retailing. Although Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Bentley became separate manufacturer businesses in 1998, H.R. Owen continued to represent both marques. The group sold its Volkswagen and most of its BMW dealerships to the manufacturers in 2004, concentrating more heavily on luxury and specialist automotive retail. It became the official United Kingdom Bugatti dealer in 2005 and later developed a particularly prominent Bugatti operation. The company broadened its brand relationships through a Ferrari alliance and through the 2011 acquisition of Broughtons of Cheltenham. Broughtons added Bentley locations in Cheltenham, Pangbourne, and Byfleet, as well as an Aston Martin franchise in Cheltenham. H.R. Owen also established a Ferrari Atelier in Knightsbridge, designed around vehicle specification and personalization rather than conventional showroom sales. H.R. Owen's retail estate has covered London, Berkshire, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Manchester. Its operations have included sales franchises and aftersales franchises, with facilities ranging from traditional marque dealerships to highly specialized supercar showrooms. Jack Barclay in Mayfair is described as the world's oldest Bentley showroom, while the company's Bugatti showroom has been characterized as the busiest in the United Kingdom. H.R. Owen also opened a flagship Ferrari showroom in Mayfair intended to attract customers internationally. The group has received recognition from its manufacturer partners. Ferrari named H.R. Owen its best retailer worldwide in 2014 after the company achieved maximum scores across the judging categories. In 2018, H.R. Owen's London Rolls-Royce showroom received Rolls-Royce's Global Dealer of the Year award. In 2021, the company announced a plan to invest £30 million in expanding Bentley, Lamborghini, and Maserati showrooms on a five-acre site in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. In ownership terms, Berjaya Group became H.R. Owen's majority shareholder through a 2013 takeover and completed the acquisition in 2016. H.R. Owen therefore operates as a Berjaya-owned luxury automotive retail group, with its identity grounded in dealership heritage, manufacturer relationships, bespoke customer service, and aftersales support.

Harold Rolfe Owen founded H.R. Owen after establishing himself in London's prestige motor trade. Born in Yorkshire in 1899, Owen served in the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War and later in the Indian Army. After returning to Britain, he worked for the National Benzole Company before joining Jack Barclay, a leading Rolls-Royce and Bentley retailer, in 1927. His social connections and reputation as a polo player supported his sales career, and he became Jack Barclay's general manager. Owen and Jack Barclay separated amicably in 1932. In February of that year Owen opened an independent Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealership on Berkeley Street in Mayfair. The business traded until the Second World War brought luxury-car retailing to a halt. Owen intended to resume operations after the war, but he died in 1940 following an operation for a brain tumour while serving with the 4th Queen's Own Hussars. Percy Fritz Swain acquired the business and reopened it in 1946. During the post-war period he developed a broader motor empire that included retailers, suppliers, and coachbuilding interests. In 1955 he acquired Freestone and Webb after the death of A.J. Webb. The independent coachbuilding model became increasingly difficult as Rolls-Royce and Bentley moved toward producing complete cars rather than supplying separate chassis and drivetrains to coachbuilders. Freestone and Webb continued refurbishment and body-building work until 1958, after which the name principally remained associated with a showroom. Swain sold the Rolls-Royce and Bentley distributorships and related service operations to Provincial Traction Company in October 1959. Other H.R. Owen operations, placed under the Harold Radford name, were later sold to a city syndicate and then transferred to Provincial Traction in 1961. Provincial Traction subsequently became part of the Wiles Group, which was later renamed Hanson Trust. Hanson exchanged the business with Lex, which soon passed it to Heron Holdings. H.R. Owen remained in Gerald Ronson's Heron Group for nearly twenty-five years. Malaya Group plc acquired the company in 1994, and in 1997 changed its own name to H.R. Owen plc on the sixty-fifth anniversary of the original dealership. The renamed group pursued a strategy of concentrating on premium and specialist brands. In 2000 it acquired Jack Barclay, bringing two historically connected London Rolls-Royce and Bentley retail names under one ownership. The manufacturer split between Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Bentley in 1998 did not prevent H.R. Owen from continuing to retail both marques. The group disposed of its Volkswagen and most of its BMW dealerships to the respective manufacturers in 2004. It added an official United Kingdom Bugatti appointment in 2005 and was described by 2008 as the world's largest Bugatti dealer. In 2011, H.R. Owen strengthened its Ferrari relationship by opening a Ferrari Atelier in Knightsbridge, where customers could work through vehicle customization choices. The same year it acquired Broughtons of Cheltenham, adding Bentley sites in Cheltenham, Pangbourne, and Byfleet and establishing a relationship with Aston Martin through Broughtons' Cheltenham franchise. In September 2013, Berjaya Group acquired a majority interest in H.R. Owen for £43.2 million. Berjaya later completed the purchase in 2016 for an additional £149.8 million. Under Berjaya ownership, H.R. Owen continued to operate a network serving London and several English regions, representing Aston Martin, Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, and Rolls-Royce. Its estate has included eighteen sales franchises and seventeen aftersales franchises according to the cited reference, while another description gives fourteen sales franchises and thirteen aftersales franchises for a particular operating configuration. The company's modern identity is built around high-value vehicle sales, factory-authorized service, prestigious showroom locations, and close relationships with marque manufacturers. Jack Barclay in Mayfair is described as the world's oldest Bentley showroom, and the group has operated a major Bugatti showroom in the United Kingdom. H.R. Owen expanded its London presence with a flagship Ferrari showroom in Mayfair. Ferrari named it the world's best Ferrari retailer in 2014, and Rolls-Royce awarded its London showroom Global Dealer of the Year in 2018. In 2021 the group announced a £30 million Hatfield development for its Bentley, Lamborghini, and Maserati operations, indicating a continuing investment in large-format luxury retail facilities.

• 2021

  Hatfield showroom expansion announced

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  The group announced a £30 million expansion plan for Bentley, Lamborghini, and Maserati showrooms at a five-acre Hatfield site.

• 2018

  Rolls-Royce Global Dealer of the Year

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  H.R. Owen's London Rolls-Royce showroom received Rolls-Royce's Global Dealer of the Year award.

• 2016

  Berjaya completes acquisition

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  Berjaya Group completed its full acquisition of H.R. Owen.

• 2014

  Named Ferrari's best retailer worldwide

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  Ferrari recognized H.R. Owen as its best retailer worldwide after a maximum result across judging categories.

• 2013

  Berjaya Group takes majority control

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  Berjaya Group acquired a majority stake in H.R. Owen through a takeover.

• 2011

  Ferrari Atelier opens and Broughtons is acquired

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  H.R. Owen opened a Ferrari Atelier in Knightsbridge and acquired Broughtons of Cheltenham, adding Bentley and Aston Martin franchises.

• 2005

  Appointed official UK Bugatti dealer

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  H.R. Owen became an official United Kingdom dealer for Bugatti.

• 2004

  Volkswagen and most BMW dealerships sold

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  The group sold its Volkswagen and the majority of its BMW dealerships to the respective manufacturers.

• 2000

  Jack Barclay acquired

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  H.R. Owen acquired Jack Barclay, strengthening its position as a major Rolls-Royce and Bentley retailer.

• 1997

  Malaya Group adopts the H.R. Owen name

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  Malaya Group plc changed its name to H.R. Owen plc on the anniversary of the original business's foundation.

• 1994

  Malaya Group acquires H.R. Owen

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  H.R. Owen was acquired by Malaya Group plc.

• 1959

  Rolls-Royce and Bentley distributorships sold

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  Swain sold the principal Rolls-Royce and Bentley distributorships and related service operations to Provincial Traction Company.

• 1946

  Post-war reopening

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  Percy Fritz Swain acquired and reopened the H.R. Owen business at its former Berkeley Street location.

• 1932

  H.R. Owen dealership opens in Mayfair

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  Owen opened an independent Rolls-Royce and Bentley dealership on Berkeley Street in London's Mayfair.

• 1927

  Harold Owen joins Jack Barclay

  [1]H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org

  Harold Rolfe Owen joined the London Rolls-Royce and Bentley retailer Jack Barclay and later became its general manager.

A specialist British luxury automotive retailer positioned around exclusive marques, premium physical showrooms, manufacturer-authorized aftersales service, bespoke vehicle configuration, and heritage locations in and around London.

• Luxury automotive retail · 1932

  Rolls-Royce dealership operations

  H.R. Owen's original and most historically important business area is Rolls-Royce retailing and authorized aftersales support. Its London operations serve customers purchasing new and pre-owned Rolls-Royce vehicles and provide manufacturer-linked servicing and maintenance through specialist facilities.

• Luxury automotive retail · 2000

  Jack Barclay Bentley

  Acquired in 2000, Jack Barclay is H.R. Owen's Bentley retail operation and a major part of the group's heritage. Its Mayfair showroom is described as the world's oldest Bentley showroom. The operation combines new-car sales, premium used vehicles, customer specification, and authorized Bentley aftersales services.

• Supercar retail · 2011

  Ferrari retail and Atelier

  H.R. Owen's Ferrari business includes retail and customer configuration services. The Knightsbridge Ferrari Atelier was created to help prospective buyers personalize new cars, while the later Mayfair flagship showroom expanded the group's visibility among international Ferrari customers.

• Hypercar retail · 2005

  Bugatti dealership operations

  H.R. Owen became Bugatti's official United Kingdom dealer in 2005. Its specialist showroom serves the highly limited-production hypercar market and has been described as the busiest Bugatti showroom in the United Kingdom and, by 2008, the world's largest Bugatti dealer.

• Luxury automotive retail · 2011

  Aston Martin dealership operations

  The Aston Martin relationship entered the H.R. Owen portfolio through the acquisition of Broughtons of Cheltenham in 2011. The franchise complemented the group's existing British luxury-marque activities and broadened its regional retail coverage.

• Luxury and performance automotive retail

  Lamborghini and Maserati dealership operations

  Lamborghini and Maserati form part of H.R. Owen's specialist performance and luxury dealership portfolio. The group has included both marques in its showroom expansion planning, including the announced Hatfield development.

• 2021

  Hatfield luxury showroom expansionStrategy

  Background

  H.R. Owen sought to expand its facilities for several luxury and performance marques.

  Action taken

  The group announced a £30 million plan to expand Bentley, Lamborghini, and Maserati showrooms on a five-acre site in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

  Planned investment. £30 million (2021 announcement)

  Source

• 2016

  Berjaya completes full acquisitionM&A

  Background

  Berjaya Group had become H.R. Owen's majority shareholder in 2013.

  Action taken

  Berjaya fully acquired H.R. Owen for an additional £149.8 million.

  Aftermath

  H.R. Owen continued as a Berjaya-owned luxury automotive retail group.

  Additional acquisition consideration. £149.8 million (2016)

  Source

• 2013

  Berjaya Group takeoverM&A

  Background

  H.R. Owen was a publicly traded luxury motor-retailing group with a portfolio of high-end manufacturer franchises.

  Action taken

  Berjaya Group acquired a majority interest in H.R. Owen in a takeover.

  Aftermath

  The company moved toward private ownership and Berjaya later completed the acquisition in 2016.

  Takeover value. £43.2 million (September 2013)

  Source

• 2011

  Acquisition of Broughtons of CheltenhamM&A

  Background

  H.R. Owen sought to expand its regional luxury dealership network and deepen its relationship with Bentley.

  Action taken

  The group acquired Broughtons of Cheltenham, which operated three Bentley franchises and an Aston Martin franchise.

  Aftermath

  The acquisition expanded H.R. Owen's Bentley footprint and created its first relationship with Aston Martin.

  Enterprise value. £2.8 million (2011 acquisition)

  Source

• 2004

  Concentration on luxury automotive retailStrategy

  Background

  H.R. Owen had operated dealerships for broader premium and mass-market manufacturers, including Volkswagen and BMW.

  Action taken

  The group sold its Volkswagen and most of its BMW dealerships to the respective manufacturers, reducing exposure to those businesses and concentrating its portfolio on prestige marques.

  Aftermath

  The move preceded further expansion in Bugatti, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and other high-luxury automotive operations.

  Source

1. 1H.R. Owenen.wikipedia.org