Applegreen UK, which is currently ranked fifth in the Forecourt Trader Top 50 Indies, has acquired its 68th forecourt, in Bath.

The latest acquisition is Farleigh Service Station, which was sold by the Bristol office of Christie & Co on behalf of Anthony Ball and his sister Suzanne Rawlinson.

Anthony’s grandfather, Gordon Ball, bought the forecourt in 1927 and the family have knocked down and re-built the site twice since then, the most recent development having taken place in 1992.

The forecourt is located on the southbound carriageway of the A36 from Bath to Beckington, and operates under the Esso brand with fuel supplied by Greenergy.

Christie & Co said it received multiple bids for the site with Applegreen UK securing the site for an undisclosed sum.

Applegreen UK managing director Michael O’Loughlin said the company was constantly on the lookout for acquisitions and he hoped to complete another purchase this week.

Dave Morris, business agent at Christie & Co, commented: “Farleigh Service Station presented an excellent opportunity for an established operator and will be a good addition to Applegreen’s portfolio.”

Anthony Ball said: “The family is delighted that after 89 years of hard work, we have passed the family business on to a top five independent operator with the help of Christie & Co. We hope that Applegreen can take the site to the next level.”