Delivery company snaps up specialist business

A Worksop delivery company has acquired Sheffield-based Samples Express.

Samples Express is a food and pharmaceutical delivery company with eight employees who are joining the 110-strong Refrigerated Delivery Services group.

RDS was established 25 years ago and turned over £5.7m in 2016, making more than £537,000 in pre-tax profits.

It is planning on growing a further 15% over the next 12 months, including by growing its air freight offering.

The deal took place to enable two of the three Samples Express directors, Alfred and Linda Peaker to retire from the family run business.

The third director, Stewart Peaker, has chosen to stay on as an employee of RDS to help build and expand Samples Express under its new ownership.

Managing director of RDS, Richard Herberts, said: “We are looking forward to the challenges of this expansion and the opportunities it brings. It will help with our ambitious growth plans in the market, while maintaining our high standard of service.

“I would like to thank the teams at RDS and Samples Express who have worked hard to create an excellent fit and smooth transition. I am confident the long term opportunities and stability will benefit them all.”

Corporate director Neil Large of Lupton Fawcett’s Sheffield office, helped to conclude the deal within three weeks.

He said: “It was a pleasure to work with both parties. Their professionalism and cooperation throughout enabled the deal to be concluded quickly. This deal required a round the clock approach with a commitment from my corporate team to keep things moving 24/7.

“The two companies are a perfect fit and I am sure the new larger RDS firm will meet its ambitious growth plans and bring further jobs to the region.”

Pictured: Kevin Parkes, Landin Wilcock & Co, Richard Herberts, RDS and Neil Large, Lupton Fawcett