UK Logistics company Menzies Distribution has acquired JBT Distribution – a move it says is its 4th important strategic development in just 6 months.
Bathgate-based JBT Distribution (JBT) is an independent logistics and supply chain services business with annual sales of over £23 million. Menzies says the deal cements their position as a major force in UK logistics while extending its network coverage with the addition of 200 vehicles and six operating sites.
Besides its base in Bathgate, JBT also have depots in West Lothian, Aberdeen, Inverness, East Kilbride, Lerwick (Shetland) and Kirkwall (Orkney). As a result of the acquisition, Menzies’ geographical reach will thus be greater across Scotland.
The acquisition represents the 4th announcement of strategic importance made by Menzies in 6 months. In December 2020, Menzies acquired Bibby Distribution, adding 38 new operating sites and a large, young fleet to its platform. In January 2021, former Asda CEO Andy Clarke was also appointed as Non-Executive Chairman. In addition, former Booker CEO Charles Wilson joined as a Non-Executive Director and new significant investor last month.
Commenting on the acquisition, Greg Michael, Chief Executive Officer of Menzies, said:
“We are gaining momentum at pace as we execute our ambitious strategy for growth and are delighted to acquire JBT. We believe that through combining the complementary business with Menzies, there are significant opportunities to grow both businesses through unlocking further geographical capability and expanding services to both sets of customers in Scotland and throughout the UK and Ireland. 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 and working with Robert Gordon, Donald Carmichael and the rest of the team at JBT to help deliver this. We warmly welcome our new colleagues and look forward to the next phase of our journey as an enlarged group.”
Robert Gordon, Director of JBT Distribution, added:
“The Directors of JBT Distribution are delighted to announce the acquisition by Menzies Distribution. We believe that Menzies is aligned with the future strategic and growth plan in the sectors in which we operate and will enhance the service offering of the business both locally and nationally. There will be exciting and new opportunities for the staff at JBT, whose dedicated input to the business has taken it to the position it is in today. We wish them all continued success within the larger business group and know they will continue to support the customer base with the same level of dedication that has always been evidenced.”
Photo credit: Menzies distribution