The Gleaner has learnt that Motor Sales and Service is to be acquired by Stewart's Auto Sales through its parent company, Simpson Motors, which is based in Barbados.

The deal is expected to be completed within the next four weeks.

Representatives from Simpson Motors visited the island recently to conduct negotiations.

Motor Sales and Service is the authorised dealer for Mitsubishi and Volkswagen in Jamaica. Stewart's Auto Sales, which has been in operation since the 1930s, is the authorised dealer for Suzuki, BMW and several other high-end models.

According to its website, Simpson Motors was founded in 1972 by businessman Kyffin Simpson. The company expanded quickly, initially through the suc-cess of the Suzuki line, followed eventually by acquisition of the Mercedes franchise.

When contacted yesterday, Stewart's boss, Richard Stewart, de-clined to comment.