Menzies Distribution has acquired Bibby Distribution from Bibby Line Group in a deal that creates a £1 billion annual turnover 3PL in the UK.
Menzies said the acquisition would add 38 new operating sites to its network, with the combined business operations home to almost 5,000 employees (with 1,400 people coming across from Bibby), 4,000 vehicles and 100 depot locations.
Greg Michael, Chief Executive Officer at Menzies, said that through combining the “complementary business” with Menzies, there were “significant opportunities” to grow both businesses through “unlocking further geographical capability and expanding services to both sets of customers”.
“For both our businesses’ customers, it will be very much business as usual and we look forward to supporting their growth in the coming years. Our ambitious plans for expansion underpin our absolute commitment to all our customers across all our markets. We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues to the next chapter of our combined growth strategy.”
Bibby Distribution, formerly part of Bibby Line Group, specialises in paper and packaging and consumer products with customers including grocery retailers.
According to Companies House, Menzies Distribution had a turnover of £1,006 million for the 12 months ending 31 December 2019, up from £937.3 million in financial year 2018.
Bibby Distribution had a turnover of £166.9 million for the 12 months ending 31 December 2019, down from £185.5 million in the previous financial year.
Richard Morson, Chief Executive Officer of Bibby Distribution, said that Menzies was the ideal partner for taking the 3PL to the “next level”.
“Our shared values of outstanding reliability, strong relationships and heritage underpin the compelling prospect of an enlarged group taking the lead on quality and innovation in UK logistics. Menzies’ smart approach to supply chain solutions for its customers and pioneering investment in electric vehicle technology show it is a truly future-focused business and we are very much looking forward to embarking on this new journey.
“Having established the business in 1985, Bibby Line Group has been a fantastic custodian for Bibby Distribution and has played a vital part in the growth of the business to this point and I want to thank everyone involved for their support.”
