Menzies Distribution Solutions (MDS) has acquired the transport division of family-owned logistics firm C Butt for an undisclosed sum, writes Carol Millett.
The deal will strengthen MDS’s presence in the Midlands logistics corridor and extend its reach in key sectors including packaging, FMCG and manufacturing, the company stated, and incorporates 29 drivers, office and finance colleagues and 102 fleet assets transferring to MDS.
MDS also said that the deal will add long-standing customer relationships, an experienced team and extra fleet capacity to its operations and ensure C Butt’s customers, which include businesses in the industrial, food, packaging and retail sectors, retain the local teams and expertise they know in Northampton and Kettering, supported by MDS’ nationwide coverage.
With no new family members stepping into the business, directors Jonathan and Robert Butt have chosen to retire from the near century-old firm. In a statement, they said: “We’re proud of C Butt’s history as a family-owned logistics company and grateful for the trust our customers have placed in us.
“In MDS, we have chosen a partner with the scale, systems and culture to support those customers in the next phase.
“We are confident this transition will be smooth and that our people and customers will be well looked after.”
Richard Morson, Menzies Distribution Solutions’ chief executive, said: “We’re very pleased to welcome C Butt’s people and customers into MDS. The team is well regarded in the market and will be a strong addition to our network.
“For customers this means they’ll have the same people delivering their work, backed by our national infrastructure, systems and 24/7 support, plus access to additional capacity and services across the UK.”
MDS employs almost 2,000 people and operates 400 vehicles and 1,200 trailers, including the UK’s largest high-cube fleet.
It also manages 1.4 million sq ft of warehousing across eight locations and 34 dedicated customer sites, serving blue-chip customers across packaging, FMCG, manufacturing, retail and industrial sectors.
C Butt was established in 1926 by Charles Butt and his nephew William Butt and has been run by the family for three generations.
