The Explorer Group, the Consett, County Durham-based manufacturer of motorhomes and caravans, is to be acquired by the Erwin Hymer Group of Germany.

London-based investment company Constantine Group has owned The Explorer Group since 1994.

Erwin Hymer is Europe’s largest manufacturer of motorhomes and caravans.

After the closing, The Explorer Group’s name will change to Erwin Hymer Group UK Ltd and its managing director will be Robert Quine, formerly the managing director of The Explorer Group.

Founded in the 1960s, The Explorer Group has 400 employees and annual turnover of roughly £100 million.

With the Buccaneer, Compass, Elddis, and Xplore brands, the company has steadily increased its share of the UK market.

With a motorhome market share of 11% and a touring caravan market share of 17%, The Explorer Group is one of the three leading manufacturers in the UK.

“By acquiring The Explorer Group, we are strengthening our involvement in the UK,” said Martin Brandt, CEO of Erwin Hymer Group.

“As the leading European manufacturer, we see strategic opportunities in the second largest European caravanning market.

“Our aim is to further expand our strong position in Europe and to become a global supplier of high-quality motorhomes and caravans.”

The Erwin Hymer Group has a turnover of more than 1.9 billion euros, employs 5,500 people and sells more than 50,000 leisure vehicles every year.