Reg Vardy expects to outsell its rivals after becoming Renault's biggest independent retail partner in the UK.

The group announced it had acquired two dealerships in the east of Scotland, in Livingston and at Sighthill, in the west of Edinburgh, taking its total number of sites in that area to 15.

The deal brings the firm's total number of dealerships in the UK to 84. It is the first time Renault has worked with a single retailer in Edinburgh.

The overall investment is worth £5m and represents further growth in one of the group's key target regions.

Nigel McMinn, regional director, said: "These acquisitions are of great strategic significance to the group as they increase our presence in and around Edinburgh and also strengthen our partnership with Renault.

"We are delighted that the manufacturer has chosen Reg Vardy as its preferred partner in the East of Scotland and the UK as a whole. As such we will sell more new Renaults than other any retailer and that is a firm foundation on which to build future growth."

Reg Vardy has an annual turnover of more than £1.3bn and employs more than 5,300 staff.