Shipping business cruises into a new era with acquisition
Whitaker Tankers, a family owned shipping business based in Hull, has been acquired by marine fuel specialists Lindsay Blee.
Whitakers is a fuel transportation company, operating a fleet of sea going tankers and specialising in ship bunkering services.
Mark Whitaker, managing director, whose family has owned the business for 144 years, said: “The success of the Whitaker business has only been achieved through the incredible hard work and professionalism of our staff ashore and afloat.
“As there will be no changes in this regard we are confident there will be a smooth transition to the new owners, of whom we wish the very best in their new venture.”
James Hills, managing director of Lindsay Blee, added: “We are thrilled and very proud to be adding Whitaker Tankers to our organisation.
“We look forward with excitement to working together with the Whitaker team and building upon their well established success and reputation for quality and service.”
The Whitaker family was represented by a legal team from Andrew Jackson Solicitors, led by Philip Ashworth (Corporate) and including Nicole Waldron (Corporate), Rob Hill (Property), Fiona Phillips (Tax), Dominic Ward and Rebecca Forder (Shipping).
Ashworth, corporate partner, said: “It is particularly poignant to represent the Whitaker family on its exit from the Tankers business after so many years of having personally been associated with three generations of the family since 1981.
“The family strongly believe this is a positive change, providing clarity on the succession of the business to its staff and customers.
“I am sure the business will go from strength-to-strength and it is a delight to see Mark and his family move forward to their next chapter.”
Whitakers was provided with accountancy support from Steve Bramhall at Smailes Goldie in Hull.
Linday Blee was represented by a legal team at Gosschalks, comprising Nigel Beckwith and Emma Orris, together with financial advice from Majors in Hull provided by Stewart McGregor.
