Dutch transport group swoops for Runcorn’s Maltacourt Logistics Group
A Runcorn-based logistics group has been acquired by a Netherlands buyer, for an undisclosed sum.
The Janssen Group of Companies, based in Venlo, has bought Maltacourt Global Logistics, which is focused on the UK air and ocean freight forwarding industry.
The deal further expands Janssen’s capabilities in the UK market.
Maltacourt is based near Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and has sites close to London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham and Leeds Bradford Airports.
This enables it to provide services under its brands Maltacourt, Mandarin, and Extraordinair, with a dedicated team of 65 skilled staff.
Janssen said the acquisition of Maltacourt not only enhances the combined business’s growth prospects but also enables further expansion of the combined client service portfolio.
The business entered the UK market in March 2023, with the acquisition of Norman Global Logistics, which is based near London Heathrow, with other UK sites in Felixstowe, Northampton, Manchester and St Helens.
Rob Linders, Janssen CEO, said: “We are proud and excited about the acquisition of Maltacourt and the opportunities it presents for our combined business.
“The acquisition of Maltacourt aligns with Janssen’s strategic growth plans and underscores our commitment to a strong positioning in the UK.
“Especially due to post-Brexit complexities, our seamless logistics operation covering both the EU and the UK provides numerous benefits for our clients.”
Maltacaourt was established in 1981, and acquired by Matt Beech in 2011. Mr Beech, chairman of Maltacourt, said: “We strongly believe there is no better fit for our business, culturally or strategically.”
Mark Watts, Dave Graham and Phil Hodgson from Daresbury-based Dow Schofield Watts’ corporate finance team in London, advised Maltacourt on the deal.
Dave Graham said: “Matt and the team at Maltacourt have done an excellent job in growing the footprint and capabilities of the business to become a key player within the industry. This deal will provide an exit for Matt, while the remaining management team will stay with the business and continue to lead its growth within the Janssen Group.”
