Distribution firm acquires its own base thanks to £3.5m funding package
H&M Distribution, the Newton-le-Willows-based pallet delivery distributor, has acquired HBT Properties and Hunt Brothers Warehousing & Distribution with the support of a £3.5m funding package from NatWest and Lombard Asset Finance.
H&M previously rented its property in Newton-le-Willows from HBT Properties which, in turn, owns Hunt Brothers Warehousing & Distribution.
This acquisition sees the £20m turnover business gain full control of the 100,000 sq ft warehouse premises, securing the long term future of the company.
As part of the acquisition, H&M Distribution has also taken ownership of Hunt Brothers’ storage facilities, giving the logistics firm another offering to take to its customers.
H&M Distribution was established in 2007 and has grown to become a supplier of distribution services in the UK, with a 70-strong fleet of vehicles and employing more than 140 staff.
Hunt Brothers Warehousing & Distribution has provided warehousing services to customers at its Newton-le-Willows site since 1929.
Tim Rodwell, finance director at H&M Distribution, said: “We have always been keen to make strategic acquisitions to continue with the impressive growth we’ve seen over the last 10 years, so when the opportunity to acquire HBT and Hunt Brothers Warehousing came, it made complete sense to us.
“We started working with NatWest in 2019 when we decided to look for a new banking partner that would remain alongside us on our next phase of growth.”
Corinna Sissons, director commercial banking, at NatWest, said: “This is an exciting phase in H&M Distribution’s expansion.
“Not only has the acquisition broadened their remit to customers, but it’s given them full ownership of their warehouse facilities, providing security and the ability to develop as the business evolves further.”
Kevin Connors, senior relationship manager at NatWest, said: “In the two years we’ve partnered with H&M Distribution, I’ve been impressed with their drive for sustained growth. This acquisition is evidence of that.
“The business is an asset to the local region, and I look forward to watching where they go next.”
