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DFDS enters into agreement to acquire McBurney Transport Group

DFDS has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Northern Ireland-based McBurney Transport Group, who specialise in cold chain and dry goods transport between the Island of Ireland and Great Britain.

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DFDS says the move is in line with its strategic focus on cold chain logistics, and overlaps with existing activities in the region. Moreover, the company adds the acquisition offers opportunities to connect with other parts of DFDS’ pan-European transport network.

The acquisition is to be for a debt-free price of DKK 1.2bn (GBP 138m). Existing cash funds will be used for the transaction payment. The closing of the transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

“The acquisition of McBurney Transport Group greatly enhances the scope of our customer offerings on the Island of Ireland and in the UK, particularly towards the resilient food sector. It also brings considerable scale to our existing operations in the region,” said Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS, commenting on the announcement.

Norman McBurney, OBE, founder of McBurney Transport Group, added:

“By becoming part of DFDS we gain access to new development opportunities. I am certain the wider market coverage, including access to DFDS’ extensive transport network, will benefit our many long-standing customers. I am confident that our many loyal and dedicated employees will be comfortable and happy after this transaction.”

In its statement, DFDS noted that McBurney annually transports more than 100k trailers across the Irish Sea. Headquartered in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, McBurney operates from eight different locations: three in Northern Ireland, one in Ireland, three in England and one in Scotland. In Liverpool, McBurney also operates a 25,000-pallet cold store, which facilitates the transport of cold chain goods throughout the UK.

On top of this, operating under the name Bondelivery, McBurney owns a 10,000 m2 ambient warehouse in Northern Ireland focused on fulfilment for the retail sector and last mile delivery on the island of Ireland.

As a result of the acquisition, McBurney will become part of DFDS’ Logistics Division’s Cold Chain business unit.


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