Van Guard Accessories, acquired by commercial vehicle equipment specialist Bott in March 2025, is set to fully transition into the Bott brand following 17 months of integration. The move aims to offer commercial vehicle operators and fleets a more full, single-source solution.
Phased Rebranding
Van Guard’s distinctive black and yellow branding will gradually shift to Bott’s green branding, with Van Guard-branded products remaining available throughout 2026. The full transition, including product rebranding and packaging, is scheduled for 2027.
Expanded Product Range
The integration expands Bott’s product range, covering a broader scope of commercial vehicle requirements. This includes vehicle conversions, internal storage systems, roof storage, ladder handling, and access and security equipment. The addition of Van Guard’s vehicle security range also bolsters Bott’s offerings.
Van Guard is one of the UK’s established suppliers of commercial vehicle roof storage, ladder handling, vehicle access and security products. Its integration with Bott therefore gives fleet operators access to a wider portfolio when specifying or refurbishing commercial vehicles, potentially reducing the number of suppliers involved in the conversion process.
Nick Smith, CEO at Bott UK, sees this as the “natural next step” in combining the strengths of both businesses. “Over the past 17 months we’ve combined our expertise, our people and our capabilities, enabling us to offer customers a more complete commercial vehicle solution than ever before. Customers can now source more of their vehicle requirements from one supplier, simplifying procurement while benefiting from the engineering excellence and customer service both businesses are known for,” he said. The integration brings together complementary capabilities, with Bott’s established conversion and storage systems working alongside Van Guard’s specialized security and access products to create a more full offering.
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Ashley Rote, finance director at Bott, views the change as more than just a rebrand. “It reflects the successful integration of two like-minded businesses and our shared ambition for the future,” he added. The company has emphasized that customers will continue to work with the same teams and receive the same technical support and product expertise during the transition, ensuring continuity of service throughout the rebranding process.
Customers can expect a broader product portfolio, increased innovation, and a more complete commercial vehicle offering. The unified brand is set to support further product development, with refreshed ranges and new additions planned throughout 2027.
The combined Bott business will showcase its expanded commercial vehicle portfolio at IAA Transportation in Hanover in September.
The transition will not immediately remove the Van Guard name from the market. Existing Van Guard products will continue to be sold during 2026 before the move to Bott branding gathers pace in 2027.
