Shropshire logistics group Culina merges with rival in major deal
SHROPSHIRE logistics group Culina has expanded its business with the acquisition of a Cheshire-based group in a large undisclosed deal.
Culina, a market leader in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods sector, has taken over Chester-based Great Bear Distribution.
Market Drayton-based Culina said the deal significantly strengthened its presence in the market by adding to its ambient logistics network.
The combined company has turnover in excess of £400m, together with a combined workforce of around 5,000 staff and near 7.5 million sq ft of warehousing. Its fleet extends to more than 600 vehicles.
Thomas van Mourik, chief executive of Culina Group, said: “Great Bear and Culina are absolutely complementary businesses, two strong organisations with great reputations, two like-minded companies with similar cultures.
“This is an excellent fit which is going to be fantastic for staff and for clients.”
He said the business was acquiring some excellent contracts, facilities and people.
“This move significantly expands our ambient network and will enable us to benefit from synergies and efficiencies that will improve our service offering to customers even further,” he added.
The acquisition extends the existing Culina network to 50 distribution centres in the UK following the addition of the 32 centres previously owned and operated by Great Bear. The latter also manages an in-house fleet of over 250 commercial vehicles, and employs around 2,000 people.
Glenn Lindfield, chief executive of Great Bear Distribution, said: “The retention of the Great Bear brand name is testimony to the hard work of our people over the past 21years.
“Culina Group recognises that it is investing in a highly successful company with its own great spirit. Culina’s aim now is to support our growth trajectory with the added workforce infrastructure and resources of the overall group.”
He said the Great Bear board believed the deal made strong commercial sense.
“The combining of our two businesses will create major opportunities for significantly growing our market share,” he added.
The deal is expected to be finalised within the next few weeks.
