Leading European manufacturer of original equipment batteries and battery accessories, Banner, has entered into a major new product distribution agreement with The Shortis Group, one of the UK’s foremost automotive parts supply and fitting centre specialists.

With over 140 years’ trading history between both parties, not only is it a move that sees two family-owned and family run businesses develop an alliance for the first time together, but it also represents the most significant retail partnership Banner has forged here in the UK.

Under the terms of the new agreement, The Shortis Group not only gain access to Banner’s O/E range of automotive batteries, but also the worldwide acclaimed Duracell brand. Banner has held the licence to produce and market Duracell car and automotive batteries since 2013 and recently extended this.

The Shortis Group is supplying Banner’s extensive automotive battery programme through its established EU and EU Linco motor factors, with both Duracell and Banner stocked at its Fast-Fit and Wilco Motosave fitting bays, as well as at selected Wilco Motor Spares locations.

Commenting on the partnership agreement, Banner’s Commercial CEO, Andreas Bawart said: “We are delighted to be working with The Shortis Group in the UK. They, like ourselves, are an established, family run business with unrivalled experience when it comes to automotive parts supply. Given the synergy that exists between both businesses, we are looking forward to working with them closely to provide their customers with access to both Banner’s comprehensive original equipment and Duracell battery product offering. We are confident that it will prove to be a very successful and mutually beneficial relationship.”

Echoing this sentiment, Managing Director of The Shortis Group, Richard Shortis added: “Everyone associated with The Shortis Group is extremely excited to be working with an O/E manufacturer like Banner, and promoting both the Banner and the Duracell automotive brands across our network of over 100 sites. We are confident the agreement will give us a significant competitive advantage within the area that the group operates in – from North Yorkshire to the Thames – and in relation to our retail shops, fitting bays and trade distribution outlets.

“Not only is Banner an established O/E supplier to the likes of Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Porsche, Aston Martin, Mini, Morgan, Daimler and Volvo etc. backed by world class manufacturing capabilities, they understandably have an excellent reputation for product quality and reliability. Enter into the equation that The Shortis Group is now stocking and supplying the Duracell automotive battery range alongside Banner’s own, really is the icing on the cake, particularly given that Duracell is without doubt the world’s best-known battery brand,” he added.

With a trading history of nearly 60 years, The Shortis Group enjoys a turnover in excess of £46m, employs more than 600 enthusiastic staff, and owns and operates over 180 vehicles across 87 locations.