Logistics giant makes huge acquisition

Logistics giant Culina Group has announced a huge new acquisition to cement its position as the largest privately owned logistics provider in the UK.

The company has completed a deal to take control of GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions – which includes Eddie Stobart, Eddie Stobart Europe, iForce, The Pallet Network, and The Logistics People.

The value of the deal has not been disclosed, but GreenWhiteStar has an overall turnover of more than £2.2 billion, a combined workforce of around 22,000 staff, approaching 20 million square feet of warehousing and a joint fleet of more than 5,500 vehicles.

Culina Group, which has key sites in Market Drayton and Telford, says the deal significantly strengthens its market leading position in the FMCG logistics sector with this acquisition. It says GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions will benefit from private ownership with protection of their brands for years to come, while the move will also provide job retention, investment, and will bring an entrepreneurial spirit.

“GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions and Culina Group are complementary businesses, two very strong organisations with great reputations in the industry and with similar cultures,” said Culina Group chief executive Thomas van Mourik.

“This is an excellent fit which is going to be fantastic for both our staff and for our clients, whilst making Culina Group the largest FMCG logistics provider in the UK. It goes without saying that we are 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 offer to customers even further.”

The acquisition extends the existing Culina Group network to over 100 strategically located distribution centres in the UK following the addition of the 40-plus facilities operated by GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions.

“Culina Group recognises that it is investing in a highly successful business with its own great family spirit,” said William Stobart, executive chairman of GreenWhiteStar.

“Culina Group’s aim now is to support our growth trajectory with the added workforce infrastructure and resources of the overall group. The GreenWhiteStar Acquisitions Board are extremely pleased to take the group businesses back to private ownership. The combining of our two businesses will create major opportunities for significantly growing our market share.”

As part of the deal, William Stobart is also taking a seat on the Culina Group Board for the long term as deputy group chief executive.

Pictured: Culina Group is now the UK’s largest privately-owned logistics provider