£2bn service station operator snaps up forecourts business

MRH , a £2.1bn-turnover service station operator, has acquired a Barnsley business.

Essex-based MRH, which made pre-tax profits of £57m last year, has bought Mitha Forecourts, along with two service stations as part of the year.

These include the 800 sq ft Hoyland Common and Hilltop, a 500 sq ft site in Birdwell.

The sites, which currently have no food service offering, will be redeveloped in line with MRH’s strategy to partner with brands to give customers more choice and reasons to shop with MRH.

Karen Dickens, CEO of MRH, said: “It’s been a pleasure to work with Ayub on this transaction, which is in line with our strategy to make selective acquisitions when we find sites or companies that complement our existing estate.

“These two large sites have been very well run but have great development potential – my team and I look forward to working with the Mitha Forecourts’ team to integrate the sites into the MRH estate.”

Ayub Mitha, shareholder and director of Mitha Forecourts Ltd said: “MRH was the preferred bidder for this transaction due to their reputation and strong track record of both delivering on their promises and as a good employer.

“We have run the family owned business for over 15 years and were keen to ensure that the business was left in good hands for further growth and investment. This is an exciting opportunity for the rest of the team at Mitha Forecourts, I wish them the best for the future.”

MRH currently operates 480 sites across the UK and has brand partnerships with Co-Op, SPAR, Greggs, Subway and Costa.

The shareholders of Mitha Forecourts Limited were advised on the Corporate aspects of the deal by Squire Patton Boggs and the Property aspects of the deal by Handslaw.

The Squire Patton Boggs team was led by corporate associate Carly Gulliver and also included corporate partner Paul Mann and tax partner Timothy Jarvis. Senior associate Robert Biddlecombe at Squire Patton Boggs advised on environmental matters. The Handslaw team was led by partner Yahya Seedat.