Sharp ■ Informed ■ Challenging
6.7.20
Currie Solutions Group expands with its third purchase in 18 months
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Currie confident with Laser Transport deal By Chris Tindall
Currie Solutions Group has made its third acquisition in 18 months with the purchase of Laser Transport International. The asset includes a prime location in Kent, as well as hubs in NEWS INSIDE x 64mm high.indd Coventry and Swindon to add to 0940_MTA advert_celebrate_43mm wide01/04/2020 16:56 1 the group’s expanding network, Hit by triple losses which also has sites in Holland Directors are confident for and France. the future of Saints Transport p3 Currie Solutions European MD Kevin Huskie said: “Transport Strike threat continues to be a tough place to Union Unite threatens action operate. The past few years for at Goldstar Transport p6 Currie have been about improving performance and moving back to Life during Covid-19 a healthier position. Part of delivHow operators are coping ering that is making relevant acquiduring coronavirus p8 sitions that underpin our overall plan as we look forward to 2021 and 2022, which we expect to be OPERATORS INSIDE an important period for the group. “Despite the challenges of Abbey Logistics ��������������������������������������������p20 Covid-19 and the general condiARR Craib ����������������������������������������������������� p3 tions in the sector, both Currie and Laser showed great resilience to Axis Fleet Management ��������������������������������� p3 deliver this transaction, supported CM Downton �������������������������������������������������� p3 by our advisory teams and our DFDS ������������������������������������������������������������ p4 funding partner, Bibby Financial DHL Supply Chain ������������������������������������������ p3 Services.” DPD ������������������������������������������������������� p10, 20 In an email to Currie and Laser DX Network Services ������������������������������������ p4 staff, and seen by MT, the directors Fowler Welch �����������������������������������������������p20
of both firms said: “As Laser merges into the Currie Group, the enlarged business will focus on UK and European full load, UK and European groupage, pallet network, road, air and ocean forwarding services in a truly UK and Europe-wide customer proposition. “The directors and senior management from both companies will be working together to align the two companies as swiftly as possible and ensure we optimise our collective strengths to form a more potent business overall.”
In November 2019, Currie Solutions’ MD Stephen Turner said the haulage firm was going through a period of transition as it expanded and developed its services, following an MBO the previous January. At that time, its most recent annual results to 31 December 2018 showed that turnover had fallen by £500,000 to £39.4m, while pre-tax losses almost quadrupled to £522,928. Following the MBO, the group also acquired PS Ridgway and Move-It Express in Livingston.
Goldstar Transport ���������������������������������������� p4 Highland Haulage ������������������������������������������ p3 O’Donovan Waste Disposal ���������������������������p20 Palletline ������������������������������������������������������ p3 Saints Transport �������������������������������������������� p3 Wincanton ���������������������������������������������������� p3
Naylor quits Palletways
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Pall-Ex has appointed former Palletways network development director Michelle Naylor as UK commercial director. She brings 25 years’ experience in logistics to the role, including 12 years at Palletways.
HERE’S TO YOU: Stafford-based haulier Stan Robinson is celebrating 50 years in business. To mark the milestone, the company has given four of its Scania tractor units a special livery featuring former owner and industry stalwart Stan Robinson, who died in 2012. The firm won the MT Haulier of the Year award in 1999, Robinson’s ultimate dream, and more recently developed its own 33.5m longer heavier vehicle. Still owned by the Robinson family, the company now has depots in Devon, Durham and Glasgow. Pictured, from left, are directors Pauline Wilson with Ian, Flo and Mark Robinson.
Focus: Apprenticeships p10 Viewpoint p12 Direct Vision Standard p14 Renewable energy p18 MT Awards shortlists p20, p22