Was failed merger behind Widdowson collapse?

A failed merger bid could have been behind the collapse of Widdowson Logistics into administration earlier this week.

According to reports, it was planned that Birds Transport & Logistics was to be sold to Widdownson in December, but that deal may have fallen through. Birds Transport is listed as having the same address as Widdowson in Leicester.

However, reports say that this deal may not have gone head, leading to the latest administration.

Leonard Curtis was appointed administrator of Widdowson Logistics on January 23, but, according to reports, it released a circular in November of last year ““urgently seeking interested parties in regards to the sale of the business and assets of a UK based haulage company”.

The mystery firm was listed as having a turnover of £6m, operating from a leasehold premises and employing 82 people. The deadline for offers for the business was 2 December, with industry figures believing the unnamed firm was Widdowson Logistics.

Leonard Curtis has not responded to enquiries about the administration.