Dairy set to extend reach across North West following six-figure deal for three depots
A six-figure acquisition deal will secure a number of distribution sites for Trafford Park-based Creamline Dairies, further expanding its reach across the North West.
The deal, expected to complete next month, is with Liverpool’s long standing Mortons Dairies, which exchanged contracts with Creamline last week.
On completion, subject to successful consultation, the acquisition is set to bring the operations of three depots, 56 staff and four further franchisees into the existing Creamline business, along with the potential to serve 15,000 more doorsteps and in excess of 450 more local businesses.
Following this latest acquisition, Creamline projects around £45m turnover in the next 12 months, with a 310-strong team and seven depots across the North West.
Building on Mortons’ well established regional coverage, the acquisition will boost Creamline’s current delivery network stronghold of the Manchester/M60 belt and East Cheshire, to bring Chester and the Wirral into the fold.
Creamline’s extended network of depots will serve local communities in Ashton in Makerfield, Chester and the Wirral, to complement the dairy’s existing operations in Trafford, Eccles, Warrington, Kendal and Stockport.
Chris Swallow and Rob Purvis
Creamline says it is a proud family business, owned and run by brothers-in-law Chris Swallow and Rob Purvis since 1994 when it was acquired as a 35-round dairy business.
Acquisition is a well-trodden path to consolidated success for Creamline. Just over a decade ago, in 2013, the company acquired Dairy Crest’s North West depot-based milk delivery business for £1.15m.
The real success came, however, from impressive customer transfer, retention and growth, with the Dairy Crest acquisition serving as a springboard for exponential growth in Creamline’s customer base.
Joint managing director, Chris Swallow, said: ‘’We’re extremely excited about this potential deal as it doubles down on our strategy for growth in the North West.
‘’Ultimately, it’s our mission to be the most consistently successful independent dairy company in Britain in terms of our service levels, product quality and profitability. Acquiring the business from Mortons – which aligns with our company values of community, quality and heritage – will strengthen our service to businesses and consumers alike, as well as our online offering.’’
He said the company is set to launch both a B2B online service, along with a powerful consumer app.
