The move comes just four months after the group took on managing director Ian Allen who is now no longer with the company. The supermarket operates six sites and was rated number three in last year's Motor Trader Top 75 Independent Dealers. On his appointment back in April, Allen outlined ambitious plans to push Carland into new and nearly-new car territory as well as getting a slice of the LCV market. Acting managing director Phillip Walker would not be drawn into the reasons for Allen's departure. He claimed “things had simply not worked out with him” and said it would be business as usual for the group while it waited for a buyer. Masterlease Group chief executive Nick Brownrigg said: “Following a strategic review of our business we have decided to proceed with the sale of Carland and we are looking for a suitable buyer or buyers.” Brownrigg said the group was now focused on delivering long-term growth and would concentrate on its core leasing business where demand was highest. “We are excited about plans to strengthen our leasing presence in Europe and improve services for our customers worldwide,” he said. Established in 1991, Carland has sites in Chertsey, Enfield, Lakeside, Cannock, Manchester and Glasgow and a refurbishment centre in Stockport.